It tones muscles and keeps us sane. But it also can be a weight loss program! Not only is gardening fun, it can help us lose a few pounds. Compared to the 170 calories burned per hour by walking on a level firm surface at a slow (2.0 mph) pace, general gardening activities can burn—assuming a body weight of 150 pounds—272 calories per hour (you’ll burn more if you weigh more or burn less if you weigh less). Weeding and pruning trees and shrubs kicks it up a notch to 306 calories per hour. Aerobic digging hits pay dirt at 340 calories per hour. Play around with this calorie burn calculator for fun. It might just motivate you to get gardening a little earlier this year.
Life is Good for You in the Garden