Ah, spring is here in New England! Most of us in the area
are enamored with every little sign of warmer, sunnier, weather coming… and
Lord knows we deserve it. Although we did not experience banner snowfalls this
year, we certainly had our share of troubles. This past October (not even winter
yet) many in New England were left cold and in the dark, some for over a week.
After that, I think we wanted to skip winter all together… I did! But with
spring comes a fresh start, a new beginning. Unless you suffer from seasonal
allergies, you probably feel hope as the seemingly dead trees begin to resurrect
from their winter slumber. I love when I notice for the first time every spring
crocus and tulips peeking through the soil. Ah… life is returning all around us!
During this time of fresh starts and new beginnings, how can
we not feel encouraged that we can meet our goals? Perhaps New Year’s
resolutions should be made on the first day of spring. Who the heck feels like
kicking ourselves into gear in the middle of the cold, grey winter? Spring
seems like a much better time to commit ourselves to our health. Was your resolution
back in January to get healthy? Feel the new beginnings in the air, grab a hold
of it, and make spring work for you.
What better way to start anew in our commitment to health
than by burning calories shedding the winter from our lives? You can make it a
family affair as we did this morning. Each with a rake in hand, my family raked
for well over an hour, clearing the remaining fall leaves, sticks, and acorns
from our lawn. Did you know that you can burn approximately 292 calories an
hour raking? Raking is also an awesome upper body workout…waking those muscles
up that maybe you haven’t used in a few months. We did it as a family, and if
you are a parent you know that can be a great bonding experience. Here are some
other things that need to be done to get spring ready… trimming trees, 306 cal/
hour, tilling a garden bed, 408 cal/ hour, spreading mulch 499 cal/ hour, weeding
306 cal/ hour, spring cleaning 144 cal/hour, and if you do a “squat” every time
you pick up a stick you could burn up to 420 cal/hour!!!!
This week the weather in New England will be near or above
sixty degrees every day. With this mostly sunny forecast, perhaps the best
place to work out this week… is in your own yard. Happy spring!!!
I’m not
perfect…I’m just trying to figure out this whole health thing, just like you.
Thanks for letting me share my experiences with you J
Please consult your
doctor before beginning or changing your diet and exercise regimen.
Sources:
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