Gardening = Exercise

Have you ever tried gardening?

Covid-19 lockdown has presented many of us with additional time spent at home, but limited scope for traditional exercise. This presents itself with an opportunity for us to think out of the box for ways in which we may continue to be active. Why not get our hands dirty!

One gorgeous autumn afternoon in Benoni, I decided to do just that! I’m a little embarrassed to admit that an afternoon of pulling out weeds, trimming the hedges, pruning back the roses and sweeping the driveway left me rather stiff. Whilst gardening, you use your muscles in many different ways. Digging, Lifting, dragging, sweeping, kneeling, lunging, squatting; these traditional exercise movements are all included in the outside fun!

It’s not all hard work of course. It’s so satisfying tugging at a weed and getting every last bit of the root out. It is joyous to see the splendour of your garden after your sweat and efforts. The therapeutic advantages of being outside, getting some sun and valuable Vitamin D and sharing the experience with the whole family are undeniable.

In order for exercise to be beneficial, it needs to be regular and if it is to be regular, you need to be enjoying it! Gardening strengthens muscles throughout your body and keeps you young at heart!

So for those of you who love it…well done and keep doing it. For those of you who haven’t ventured out with your wellies, spades, rakes and clippers just yet, now is your chance.

Give it a go – you will be amazed at what it can do for you!

Written by Kirsty Roux