Thanks rain. There are a lot of leaves on the ground now and I have to put off the hike to do yard work.
Grrrrrrr.
Wait ... There seems to be a good side to raking all those leaves, according to AARP.
It's good exercise, the organization says.
Here's the rake, err, scoop on the AARP website:
"Raking leaves is considered moderate physical activity, similar to a brisk walk, according to Barbara Ainsworth, an exercise epidemiologist at San Diego State University. It helps build upper-body strength, as well as core strength, or strength in your back and stomach."
Do this and you could burn up to 240 calories and hour, if you weight 135 pounds, Ainsworth said in the article.
Here are just some of the tips that you can find on the AARP website:
- Wear layers.
- Warm up by stretching and easy exercise to get the juices flowing.
- Pay attention to your raking posture.
- Use both sides of your body.
- Relax and enjoy the experience, take your time.
- Stretch to cool down when the task is complete.
For more information about the best form to keep when raking leaves, and also the best way to bag them, visit the AARP website.
