Gardening: The Next Olympic Sport

Well, maybe that's a stretch, but gardening can definitely serve as a good workout.

During these scorching days of summer, my husband and I have been watering the many plants in our yard by hand.  We used to have a sprinkler system hooked up in the back until the work on our new addition began.  And we haven't had a chance yet to get a new one hooked up since the completion of that project.  So at least once daily one of us goes out to water the plants with the garden hose.  Simple enough, right?  Ahh!

I'm short and my balance, although better than it used to be since I've been working out regularly, is less than optimal.  We have tons (I don't think I'm exaggerating here) of red lava rocks all over the back yard (desertscape), which are a bear to walk on.  I'm always twisting my ankles and losing my balance on the little devils.  

Photo Courtesy of Pixabay.com

Then there's the hose.  This 75-foot serpent is quite a challenge to maneuver around the yard.  In the course of a watering session (40-60 minutes)  I do the equivalent of triceps kickbacks, bent-over rows, arm raises, tug-o-war, pulling, pushing, biceps curls, squats and more.  Plus, I'm getting a heck of a cardio routine in.  Add in sunshine and fresh air and watering is a pretty awesome total body workout.

Some things to remember when gardening/watering:  

• Wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunscreen.  
• Wear a light-weight long-sleeved shirt and long pants to shield your skin from the sun. (I usually wear shorts, and usually finish up with muddy arms and legs and clothes.  Whichever is more fun for you, go for it.  Just make sure you protect your skin somehow from the sun.)
• Watch out for bees and other stinging critters.
• Don't drown your plants.  The "shower" or "mist" settings on your hose nozzle should work well.  Follow care instructions that came with your plants, or look them up on the Internet to make sure your watering them enough but not too much.
• Water early in the day or in the evening when the temperature isn't so hot.
• If you must water when it's toasty outside, take it slow, take frequent breaks, and drink plenty of water.  
• Bring a spray bottle fan outside with you to help cool you off.
• Spray yourself with the hose once in awhile for some relief from the heat.
• Put "snakes" of stepping stones throughout your yard if you have rocks/stones in it.  The stepping stones will help pretty-up your yard and save your ankles and feet a lot of grief, pain, and potential injury.  
• Wear supportive footwear.
• Only work out at your appropriate level of fitness.  If you aren't used to working out, don't attempt to enter into an Olympic event such as Garden Hose Serpent Wrestling.  
• Seriously, don't overdo it.  Yes, you want to stay active, but, that said, you WANT to stay active.  So why overdo it and end up in the hospital or otherwise benched for weeks or months.  Not worth it.

I hope you're having a safe, active, and fun summer!  Take care.