How does gardening fit into physical activity?
Gardening is Canada’s second most popular physical activity after walking (Source: Canadian Fitness and Lifestyle Research Institute). Gardening is much more than just taking the time to smell the roses and can be an excellent physical activity to keep you healthy. Just ask any gardener. Health Canada suggests adding up 60 minutes of activity a day (in periods of at least 10 minutes each). If you enjoy gardening, you can keep your body healthy using all three types of recommended activities-endurance, flexibility, and strength activities. Heavy yard-work (e.g., digging and raking) includes both endurance and strengthening activities. Bending and reaching in the garden can also help you become more flexible. Regular physical activity has many health benefits. You can reduce your risk of early death, heart disease, obesity, high blood pressure, adult-onset diabetes, osteoporosis, stroke, depression, and colon cancer. Gardening as a stress-buster! Being out in the fresh air also produces
