It’s been getting prettier and prettier here. So it’s time to start planning how to fix up the yard, handling the lawn work and taking care of the garden. Gardening involves a lot of activity and for those that think it might not be good exercise – think again. An hour of pulling weeds can leave you hot, sweaty and sore.
I have always wanted the ability to grow things. My mom can sneeze at something and it grows green and beautiful. I am not so good at that. However, last year I planted several rose bushes and they did phenomenally well. I worked hard to maintain the area around them and to keep it neat, trim and alive. I felt the tremendous payoff from working with them and now I am inspired to build a bigger, better garden.
My daughter and I are going to do our project together. We’ve set aside a section of the yard where we are going to clear it, till it and plant flowers together. Then we’ll spruce it up once or twice a week to keep the weeds out of it and help it grow better and stronger.
I have absolutely no idea how successful this garden is going to be. I don’t even have assurance that anything will grow. But I know if you work hard enough, love enough and if you practice – you can do good things.
So since gardening is not only mentally and emotionally therapeutic, but also physically challenging, it’s a great addition to any workout program. In my case, it’s going to be just a small component – but I know how hot you can get weeding, the strained muscles in the back and the hands. It’s important to not hurt yourself while working in the garden.
If you have to kneel down and you have sore knees, get a little cushion to rest them on. If you have a bad back, choose sitting rather than kneeling and straining. Use the right tools and if you are feeling the strain and the pain – take a break and let yourself relax. The great part of gardening is you get to enjoy the benefits on your mind, your heart, your body and on your senses as you see them growing beautifully. (Or at least I hope so!)
So as you plan your spring gardening – plan for the fitness you’ll get from it.