yard work out: Prune a tree

Prune a tree

 

 Calories burned in 10 minutes: 30

Climbing up a ladder to prune your favourite fruit tree will not only yield seasonal bounty, it can also build strength and improve your balance and co-ordination. It's as good as lifting 2.5-kilogram free weights while sitting on a stability ball.

What it works
Your wrists, chest, shoulders, arms and upper back

How to do it
Keep the pruning equipment close to your body and try to stay level with the tree to avoid overreaching.

TIP
Stretch every 15 minutes to prevent stiffness. Make sure your equipment isn't too large or heavy or you may injure a muscle.