Gardening Fitness

Thereʼs a Chinese proverb: If you want happiness for an hour, take a nap. If you want happiness for a day, go fishing. If you want happiness for a year, get married and, if you want happiness for a lifetime, take up gardening! For a lifetime of garden happiness you need to look after yourself as you would a treasured plant with regular watering, shade protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen & gloves), compost (nutritious food & snacks). Keeping fit for all four seasons also means itʼs essential to follow a regular fitness program. Gardening tasks vary and involve a range of muscle groups so gentle stretching before and after each session is imperative. Find a patch of grass in the sunshine and, if you have a yoga mat, use it. Sturdy outdoor furniture easily converts into an outdoor gymnasium. Chairs can be used for step-ups, bench seats for tricep dips, a table for push-ups. If you are needing ideas or inspiration itʼs worth employing a personal trainer who specialises in outdoor fitness & body weight training for advice. They will write a specific training program catering to your needs and ensure your equipment and technique is correct…by the way, I’m available!. Avoid repetitive strain injuries by alternating jobs every 20-30 minutes. For example follow weeding with pruning, raking with pushing wheelbarrows. If you are shovelling soil, alternate both sides of your body equally – be sure to change the ‘digging’ foot regularly. Protect your knees when kneeling by using a foam pad or an old cushion. When lifting (whether it’s a small pot or a heavy bag of manure) protect your lower back and always be mindful of your movements: keep objects as close to your waist as possible bend from the hips and knees (not the waist), maintain the natural curve of the lower back (neutral spine) tighten abdominal muscles – draw your belly button in towards your spine – exhale on exertion placing feet wider apart will improve stability Get rid of that leaf blower (use a rake or broom) and sell the ride on mower. Power to manual labour – guzzle up those calories! After a day in the garden be sure to sit back (grab a glass of h2o) and enjoy the fruits of your...

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