Finally, spring is in the air. The birds are chirping, butterflies are showing up and it is not getting dark so early. It is also nice to see some of you out walking, working in your yard and, yes, even washing your cars. Of course, I notice these things being a fitness enthusiast and wanting my Lazybrook neighbors to be in better shape.
The rains are ready. The tools are ready. Is your body ready?
Gardening is a pleasure that is hard to explain. You may use your whole weekend days to make your yard into the oasis that you envisioned – and beat up your body in the process. You might end up with lower back pain from bending over more in one day than in the last four months, or shoulder and wrist pain from picking all this weeds, not to mention how exhausted your legs feel.
The great thing is you don’t have to feel this way. You can do a few exercises on a constant basis to help strengthen those areas, so you can enjoy and reap the rewards of a beautiful yard without suffering for the following week or two.
You can do these simple exercises at home or in the gym. They demonstrate the movements typically used while gardening. Try doing them as a circuit, going from one exercise to the next with little or no rest. Work up to 2 circuits, 3 times a week.
“Gardener’s moves you can use” 
- One arm rows with Swiss ball or chair
- Rear delta raise w/ resistance band
- Lumbar extensions (can be performed on all fours)
- Body weight squats
You want to get your body ready for the things you love to do. Not only will these moves help with your gardening, they will also increase your strength and stamina during all your activities from washing the car to taking a brisk walk in the neighborhood. The more energized you feel the more active you will be. The healthier and happier life you want is closer than you think. So if you’re’ ready to get you there.
