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yard work out: Lift a wheelbarrow

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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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