Advertisement
Living

yard workout : Trim your hedges

...
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

Trim your hedges  

  Calories burned in 10 minutes: 55 Paring down an unruly row of hedges with clippers will not only create beauty and order in your garden, it can tone your arms as well. It's as good as doing 10 to 30 pushups, a series of chest presses in the weight room or playing volleyball for half an hour.
What it works Your chest, arms, front of the shoulders and upper back How to do it Stand close to the hedge, legs shoulder-width apart, when you trim: it's easier on your back. Bend your knees, not your back, when you crouch down to get at the bottom of the hedge. Keep your stomach muscles tight to strengthen your core. TIP Focus on good posture with your back straight, eyes forward and stomach tight. Keep your motions smooth and controlled.
 
  • 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
     
   

GET CHATELAINE IN YOUR INBOX!

Subscribe to our newsletters for our very best stories, recipes, style and shopping tips, horoscopes and special offers.

By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy. You may unsubscribe at any time.

Advertisement
Advertisement