SUMMER
is a great time for all
of these things and more. Growing a
garden this year? You know you’ll get
delicious home-grown produce, but
did you know that gardening is great
exercise too?
Speaking of exercise, it’s important
at every age. And it’s important to stay
hydrated when exercising, especially
in the summer.
Ready to have a fabulous, healthy
summer? Read on!
Get dirty and
grow strong
Gardeners reap what they sow, enjoy-
ing the fruits, vegetables, flowers and
well-trimmed hedges of their labors.
Their hobby has a hidden benefit too:
It’s good exercise.
Gardening can burn an impressive
300 calories an hour, according to the
American Council on Exercise. Raking
and hoeing can build up arms, shoul-
ders, back and chest. Digging works
on thighs and buns. And walking and
lifting are good resistance exercises,
building bone and helping to prevent
osteoporosis.
Of course, green-thumb workouts
have their potential hazards, including
sore muscles. Here are a few things
you’ll need in order to garden safely:
A tetanus booster.
Tetanus lives
in the soil and can enter the body
through cuts and cracked skin. Adults
need a tetanus shot every 10 years.
Patience.
Build up slowly to the
tasks at hand. Warm up for about
10 minutes with a brisk walk before
tackling outdoor work. Also, listen to
your body: Fatigue, heat and overuse
can do more harm than good.
Protective gear.
Basic equipment in-
cludes gloves, sturdy shoes, sunscreen,
a wide-brimmed hat, DEET to keep bugs
away, sunglasses and protective goggles.
Proper body mechanics.
This
means:
•
Using your legs—not your back—
to lift.
