A physiotherapist has revealed that gardening can be intense enough to be considered a real workout, depending on the tasks undertaken. Kieran Sheridan, a UAE-based physiotherapist, told the Mirror that according to the CDC, 45 minutes of gardening can burn around 300 calories. Planting and potting for an hour can also burn 200-300 calories, targeting multiple muscle groups through activities such as planting, watering, digging, and lifting fertiliser bags.
To put this in perspective, a person weighing around 10 stone would typically burn about 260 calories per hour walking briskly at 3.5mph on a treadmill. Increasing the speed to 6mph raises the calorie expenditure to 680 per hour. Sheridan noted that, like walking, gardening engages various muscle groups including the arms, buttocks, abdomen, back, and legs, with digging being the most calorie-intensive task as it works many muscles simultaneously.
Sheridan advised stretching before gardening to build strength and avoid cramps, and recommended mixing up tasks to prevent muscle strain. He said, 'You can't do one task alone because it could strain your muscles. I'd suggest doing other tasks such as pulling weeds and raking.'
Beyond calorie burning, gardening offers other health benefits. A recent study from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology highlighted how physical activity can positively affect brain ageing. Dr Alexis Missick, a GP at UK Meds, told the Mirror: 'Gardening activities such as digging count as beneficial forms of exercise as they help build our strength. Studies have found that daily gardening can reduce the risk of dementia. Getting yourself moving around more by gardening can promote cardiovascular health and helps to reduce your risk of coronary heart disease.'
