June 6 is National Gardening Exercise Day on the National Day Calendar to encourages us to maximize the health benefits of gardening. Today we are encouraging people to get off the couch and tend their gardens, while getting some fresh air and sunshine.

#GardeningExerciseDay

Gardening on its own is therapeutic, builds muscles and burns calories. Some of the gardening activities that are excellent for working your muscles and for burning calories include weeding, digging, spading, planting, pruning, mowing, raking, and walking. Gardening is a natural way to exercise. It involves a lot of walking back and forth, as well as bending and stretching. Being out in the fresh air and sunshine are also an added benefit. Sunlight is a natural form of Vitamin D is essential for absorbing and retaining adequate amounts of calcium and phosphorous, which are good for the bones. It also boosts our immune system.

Spending time outside is a great way to get some fresh air, too. Since fresh air is rich in oxygen, you will be increasing the amount of oxygen circulating in your blood. Fresh air will clean your lungs, strengthen your immune system, aid in digestion, and increase your energy. Spending time outdoors helps you sleep better and makes you feel happy!

Being out in the fresh air and sunshine also adds additional benefits. Incorporating stretching into a gardening routine may help to prevent injury, much like it does for any athletic endeavor. Adding squats contributes to building and maintaining muscle, In fact, taking extra steps while gardening increases the heart rate. Gardening and exercise are excellent stress relievers, too!

6 WAYS TO CELEBRATE NATIONAL GARDEN EXCERCISE DAY

Pull those weeds, plant some seeds, and get your muscles moving! Your garden will look great, and you will feel fantastic, too! Other suggestions to get the most exercise out of your gardening:

1. Start slowly. Just like any new workout program, small steps.
2. Use the right and left hands equally.  When raking or shoveling, switch hands every 5-10 minutes to give each side a good workout.
3. Make sure to breathe. Deep, cleansing breaths bring oxygen to those working muscles.
4. Lift with your legs! When lifting, bend your knees. Don’t lift with your back.
5. Drink plenty of water.
6. Enjoy your garden. Visit it often!
7. If you have never had your own garden, this is a great day to start gardening. You can even ask a friend or another experienced gardener to help you get started. If there is a community garden in your area, you may want to consider joining. There are also some excellent gardening books out there, such as, “The Farmer’s Almanac Vegetable Gardening Handbook,” or “Gardening for the Complete Beginner.” Gardening is also a great family activity and will provide ample opportunities for spending quality time with the kids.
8. Gardening is a favorite hobby for several National Day Calendar staff. Show us how you celebrate by tagging #GardeningExerciseDay on social media.