Backyard Boot Camp

Coaxing your yard back to life after its long winter nap takes some sweat equity. Turn raking leaves and mowing grass into a personalized workout with these fun calorie-burning moves. Not only will you get your body in shape, you’ll squeeze in some quality family time, too! And did we mention your yard will look awesome?

• Yard Races. Make yard work a family affair. Invent yard races around what needs to get done. Who can rake and fill their leaf bag first? Who can collect the most sticks in the yard the fastest? Conduct wheelbarrow races with barrows full of mulch that ends up just in the right spot. If you have small children, make it a timed team challenge.
• Power Moves. Work power moves such as squats and lunges in between trimming hedges and mowing the grass.

Calorie Burner

We all know yard work isn’t a walk in the park. You can burn some serious calories. Check it out:

• Landscaping, moving rocks, hauling dirt: 400-600 calories/hour
• Raking and bagging leaves: 350-450 calories/hour
• Pulling weeds, planting flowers and other gardening activities: 200-400 calories/hour
• Mowing the lawn: 250-350 calories/hour

Yard work is great for the body, but it also gives your mind and spirit a workout, too. Fresh air is rejuvenating and exercise releases mood-boosting endorphins — a.k.a. the happy hormones. Plus, sunlight promotes vitamin D absorption, which helps you feel energized.