yard work out: Lift a wheelbarrow

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Updated November 2, 2012

Yard workout
Digging in the dirt beats sweating in the gym any day

By Diane Hart
First published in Chatelaine's May 2003 issue.
© Diane Hart

Lift a wheelbarrow

Calories burned in 10 minutes: 50

While carrying topsoil to your flower beds, you can get a superb workout. An unloaded wheelbarrow weighs at least 15 kilograms, so pushing it back and forth a few times is as good as taking a low-impact aerobics class, a leisurely bike ride or power walking.

What it works
Your buttocks, back, legs, arms, shoulders, chest and abs

How to do it
Stay close to your wheelbarrow with your arms near your body and lift with your legs, arms slightly bent. Keep your abs tight. Breathe when you push.

TIP
Use the proper size of wheelbarrow for your abilities. An oversized one may tempt you to carry too heavy a load, which may put undue strain on your body.


		Intro
		Basic stretch
		Lift a wheelbarrow
		Dig with a trowel
		Mow the lawn
		Prune a tree
		Trim your hedges
		Tips for working in your garden


		Grow your own herbs
		Pot luck


		Your complete gardening guide
		More workouts in Sweat Central


		Swap gardening tips in our Home + garden forum


		Garden guru Yvonne Cunnington: April 14 to 18

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