GARDENING HOBBY AND WEIGHT LOSS

Losing weight requires an individual to burn more calories than consume. Although gardening might be perceived as a hobby, it contributes to physical health in many ways. Most of the time gardening is considered as a hobby by older people and the younger generation might start picking up on that habit as it has become a good exercise to weight loss.

Gardening For Weight Loss

To maximize health benefits and to lose weight, a regular gardening routine is important. To lose weight gardening activities should be done 30 minutes to 1 hour at least 3 to 5 days in a week. Activities can be planned for each gardening session to make the best use of that time. Break up garden tasks into more moderate activities will speed up the primary goal of weight loss.

In 30 minutes of constant gardening activity by an average person weighing 190 pounds will burn 61 calories by water the lawn or garden with a hose, 162 calories by rake, 162 calories by plant seeds or seedlings, 202 calories by clear land, 182 calories by plant trees, 202 calories by dig, till or spade a garden, 243 calories by chop wood and 243 calories by mow the lawn with a push mower.

Gardening contributes to the physical health. Activities such as planting, digging, harvesting and weeding intercalate all types of physical movement benefit the strength, fitness and flexibility of the body. American college of sports medicine's health & fitness journal mentioned that standing, kneeling, stooping, weeding and watering involved in gardening can burn a lot of calories.

Gardening has many more advantages that make it a good form of exercise and calorie burning. Gardening activities provide resistance training, which is similar to weight lifting at a gym. Pushing wheelbarrows, shoveling mulch and lifting bags of mulch are strenuous activities that build muscles in shoulders, arms, legs, and back. Using a hoe or pitchfork to turn a compost pile can build chest, shoulders, upper arms, thighs, back and legs. Moving heavy supplies such as bags fertilizer and garden pots can build muscles in shoulders, arms and legs. Moving garden supplies in one place to another provides a cardiovascular workout which is an effective way to lose weight.

A research conducted by University of Utah, illustrated that men gardeners were 64% less likely to be obese and overweight, and women were 46% less likely to be obese or overweight. It further mentioned that the body mass index of individuals engaged in gardening activities was reduced significantly when compared to non-gardening individuals. The research further stated that gardening has shown benefits in relieving stress and reducing depression symptoms.

As much as gardening provides a regular form of exercise, it supports healthful dietary behaviors such as eating a varied and balanced diet. It is a good way to consume healthy food and encourage people to grow fruits and vegetables in their own garden. Prof Cathleen Zick stated that community garden is a valuable concept and a neighbourhood asset that can promote healthier living.