How to Lose Weight While Gardening

Have you ever dreaded the idea of pulling weeds, planting a tree, or pushing a lawn mower around the yard?

Does just thinking about it make you sweat? I am sure the majority of are nodding your heads in agreement. What I am about to suggest only takes a slight change in your thinking and a bit of planning and you can learn how to lose weight and get in better shape while gardening this year.

For those of you that are already gardeners, you know that gardening is one of the best ways to get exercise because it involves all of the muscle groups in your body.

Like I mentioned earlier, we only need to change the way you think about outside chores. See I am falling into the trap too, I just called them chores. Instead, you should think of them as outdoor exercises that are designed to enhance the condition of your body and help you lose weight.

As with any exercise program, check with your doctor before starting. Make sure you are dressed properly and that you stretch before beginning.

If you aren't used to exercising in the garden or have been relatively inactive all winter, start slowly. Start with weeding, watering, and planting seeds.

As you feel yourself getting stronger you can increase your gardening repertoire to include: pruning, heavy digging, hoeing, pushing a loaded wheelbarrow, or mowing the lawn. I think you get the idea because the list of outdoor gardening exercise ideas is endless!

Even carrying plants or a bag of potting soil to the car from the store and then out into the yard is exercise! You can potentially burn up to 300-600 calories per hour depending on your intensity and which gardening exercises you engage in.

You CAN lose weight by gardening ~ eat less and move more! The following list shows what a typical man weighing 180 pounds will burn in 30 minutes of activity. If you weigh more you can burn even more calories!

  • Watering lawn/garden~ 61
  • Raking~ 162
  • Bagging leaves~ 162
  • Planting seeds/seedlings~ 162
  • Planting trees~ 182
  • Weeding ~ 182
  • Clearing Land ~ 202
  • Digging, spading, tilling~ 202
  • Laying Sod~202
  • General gardening~ 202
  • Chopping wood~ 243
  • Gardening with heavy power tools~ 243
  • Mowing the lawn with a push mower~ 243
  • Shoveling snow~ 243
  • Shoveling heavy snow~ 364 cals

Tips for your success:

1. Don't over do it~ one or two hours of gardening is plenty, especially when you are beginning!
2. Don't lift objects that are too heavy for you. If you injure yourself, chances are that you won't be able to continue to garden for exercise and weight loss.
3. Stretch before, during and after gardening. Don't stay down on your knees while weeding or planting for extended periods of time~ get up and move!
4. Get out in your garden and exercise at least 3-4 times a week.
5. Continue your outdoor exercise routine even after you last blooms have faded. Shoveling the snow, raking leaves, and splitting wood are great calorie burners that will lead to weight loss!
6. Don't forget the added benefit of growing your own healthy fruits and vegetables and your yard will look beautiful from all of your hard work!
7. Have Fun and "Just do it"!

Once you get into the habit of viewing gardening as an excellent way to lose weight and stay in shape, you may never go back to the gym again!

© 2005, Candee Stark and GoingAllTheWeigh.com

This article is provided courtesy of Candee's Weight Loss Success - You may freely reprint this article on your website or in your newsletter provided this courtesy notice and the author name and URL remain intact.

In The News:


pen paper and inkwell


cat break through


Diet and Exercise Evolution: Water: 65% of Your Body Cant be Wrong

The Liver The function of your kidneys is to filter... Read More

Government Against Diets

The Government of the Australian state of Victoria has started... Read More

What Every Woman Needs!

As a woman, your body is very complex. Throughout every... Read More

How Much Will A Tummy Tuck Really Cost?

The cost of a tummy tuck is something to consider... Read More

Plot Your Weight Loss Course

I'm sure you already know that weight loss and improved... Read More

The College Student?s Guide for EASY WEIGHT LOSS!

Weight loss is a hot topic among college students today,... Read More

Weight Loss and Dieting Secret #1 ? IN and OUT

Any dietary plan on the market has some portion of... Read More

Diet Tips for Weight Loss: Free Diet Tips Which You Cant Afford to Miss! (Part 2)

Obesity is a disease that is not caused by a... Read More

Conventional Dieting Wisdom That Works for WLS Patients

In many cases conventional dieting wisdom simply doesn't work for... Read More

Snack Ideas for Kids That Wont Wreck Moms Diet

If you are a mom at home on a diet,... Read More

What to Eat After Gastric Bypass Surgery

Many people are under the impression that gastric bypass surgery... Read More

After Gastric Bypass: Pass the Water, Hold the Ice

I just read this conventional diet tip ? and we've... Read More

Survival Guide For Holiday Parties

If you have been watching your weight all year, you... Read More

Gastric Bypass Surgery - Weighing The Risks of Obesity Weight Loss Surgery

RISING POPULARITYGastric bypass surgery has become a popular surgical procedure... Read More

Overcoming the 7 Roadblocks to Maintaining Weight Loss

1. Become aware of what you are eating.Before I started... Read More

Can Quick Weight Loss Really Work?

Quick weight loss is promised by diets all the time.... Read More

Weight Loss Doesnt Work

Your brain has this really interesting system that is kind... Read More

Burning Fat vs. Burning Calories

To lose weight and get in shape you must have... Read More

Weight Loss Success ? When there are NO More Options Left!

One of the worst things you can hear in life... Read More

Putting it Off Until Im Thinner

I can't do that Until I Lose This Weight! If... Read More

Choose to Lose - The Simplicity of Weight Loss and Understanding Emotional Eating

Permanent Weight loss is not about Diet. If you are... Read More

Say No To Obesity

Obesity still remains one of the commonest avoidable causes of... Read More

The Truth About Fat

Fat has had a lot of bad press and for... Read More

Japanese Weight Loss Secret

Recently, I read an article from Japanese magazine that by... Read More

The R Factors - Your Answer For Getting To The Perfect Body For Fitness And Health

Building a Perfect Body for Body Perfect Fitness and Health... Read More

Living with Your Diet

Recently, I was reading about a diet plan where you... Read More

Weight Loss Efficiency ? 10 Ways To Make The Most Out Of Your Gym Workout!

My name is Greg Ryan. I am a high profile... Read More

Five Really Tough Dieting Tips

If you are losing, trying to lose, or think you... Read More

Easy Steps To Weight Loss

It can be intimidating to follow a weight loss plan,... Read More

Simple Plans for Social Eating and Travel

It's one thing to stick with your diet regimen when... Read More

How Did I Get So FAT!

"I never saw it coming, how did I get so... Read More

The Key to Weight Loss: The INSIDE OUT Factor ? The #1 Mindset in Changing Your Weight Forever!

WHAT DOES BEING FIT REALLY MEAN?The "INSIDE-OUT" approach to fitness... Read More

The Lost Road of a Failed Gastric Bypass Surgery

In 1994, I had a RNY surgery. At 350 lbs... Read More