If you have a garden, whether small or on a few acres of land, then you have plenty of opportunity to engage in a variety of exercise while tending to it. Raking and mowing (but not on a ride-on mower!) can provide good cardiovascular benefits, while pulling weeds can act as resistance training. Even walking along on uneven surfaces, like rock paths and hilly areas, can give you opportunities to improve your balance while providing steps toward that oft-touted goal of 10,000 a day. In addition to nurturing and improving the body, gardening can provide a zen workout for the mind, so think about adding some deep breathing and meditation time in your garden in addition to your more active work. Before you start any work, though, as with most physical activities be sure that you start with a good warm up to avoid any exercise-related injury and use sun protection.

Key Points:

• Whether you have a backyard vegetable garden or several acres of land, a health-promoting workout can be found in every yard.
• Gardening relieves stress. In a complex world, the simple act of planting seeds and watching them grow is therapeutic.
• All of that pulling and pushing add up to some great physical activity.