The Washington Extension Office is reminding people that gardening is exercise. Gardening can help people burn calories, strengthen bones and joints, lower blood pressure and manage stress. For example, digging and pulling weeds or removing rocks can burn 200 to 250 calories in half an hour.

Activity (30 minutes for 150 lb person)/ Energy Expenditure(kcal)

– Digging/pulling weeds, removing rocks/200-250 kcal
– Trimming trees and shrubs/150-170 kcal
– Mowing (using push reel mowers)/200-230 kcal
– Raking/120-150 kcal
– Walking (slow to fast)/150-230 kcal