Gardening rivals sports for fitness—but only if done safely

Gardening could be just as good for fitness as traditional sports, according to health official Alexey Nikonov. Many common tasks—from weeding to chopping firewood—can burn hundreds of calories per hour. But experts warn that proper technique and breaks are key to avoiding strain. Different gardening activities offer varying levels of physical exertion. Weeding garden beds burns between 250 and 400 calories in an hour. Planting seedlings, while less intense, still uses 120 to 200 calories over the same period. Digging is more demanding, torching 330 to 400 calories per hour.

Chopping and carrying firewood ranks among the most strenuous tasks, burning roughly 350 to 450 calories. But safety matters as much as effort. Heavy lifting should always involve squatting with a straight back, letting the legs bear the weight. Prolonged bending also poses risks, so switching tasks or taking a short stretch every 20 to 30 minutes is advised. Before starting any work, a five-minute warm-up is recommended. This helps prepare muscles and reduce the chance of injury during physical activity.

Gardening provides a practical way to stay active without hitting the gym. Tasks like digging, weeding, and chopping wood can match the calorie burn of many sports. By following simple safety tips, people can make the most of their time outdoors while protecting their health.