Minute Tip · Gardening and outdoors
Gardening counts
Everyday outdoor activity can contribute useful movement.
Written tip
The tip
Gardening counts as movement. Everyday activity such as gardening can add to your overall activity, though how much depends on the task.
Light watering is gentle. Digging, raking, or hauling soil takes more effort.
Next time you head out to the garden, notice how you move. Bend at the hips and knees rather than rounding your back. Take breaks, and change tasks so no one part of your body does all the work.
Wear gloves and sun protection, drink water, and stop if you feel dizzy or unwell. A garden gives you a reason to be outside, a reason to move, and something to look forward to.
Limits: Intensity varies widely by task. No specific mental-health or longevity outcome is promised.
Try it today
Spend 20 minutes tending something outside. Choose one manageable gardening or outdoor task and stop while you still feel comfortable. About 20 minutes.
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