Sacred Heart - Inspiring Health

"YARD WORK CAN increase your heart rate, tone and strengthen your muscles, and help you burn major calories," says Amy L. Haynes, DPT, PT, Physical Therapist at HSHS St. Joseph's Hospital. "During one hour of certain yard chores, you can burn more than 400 calories, while also enjoying a dose of fresh air, a sense of accomplishment, and greater curb appeal." Getting ready to bring your lawn mower, trowel, and shovel out of winter hibernation? While your exact calorie output depends on your weight and activity intensity level, here's what a 155-pound adult can expect to burn during one hour of these common tasks: ✳ Cutting the grass with a push mower=410 calories ✳ Planting flowers=298 calories ✳ Spreading dirt or crushed rock= 372 calories ✳ General landscaping= 281 calories To keep gardening fun and challenging, add intervals of each activity. For example, haul dirt, plant flowers, and then spread fertilizer. "Adding intervals causes your heart rate to surge, which increases your metabolism and allows you to burn more calories throughout your day," Haynes says. "Whether you're an exercise novice or a marathon runner, you can tailor yard work activities to your fitness level." NURTURE YOUR HEALTH THIS SPRING BY PLAYING GAMES OUTSIDE WITH YOUR FAMILY. The Calorie-Torching Benefits of a Green Thumb DID YOU KNOW THE SAME SPRING CHORES THAT HELP BEAUTIFY YOUR LAWN AND GARDEN CAN ALSO PROVIDE A FULL-BODY WORKOUT? Ready to make a pledge for better health? Visit gochippewavalley.com, select "SIGN UP for GO myWay," and commit to move your body, your way for at least 15 minutes every day. Check out gochippewavalley.com and become a GO myWay member. PLAYTIME IS IMPORTANT, and it's not just for kids. Amy L. Haynes, DPT, PT, Physical Therapist at HSHS St. Joseph's Hospital illuminates why outdoor games refresh the soul— and your relationships. Q. Why should people consider changing their exercise routines to include more socializing? Haynes: Solo workouts can become mundane and take us away from time with loved ones. By integrating physical activity and social time, it helps you to stay engaged and wave goodbye to stress and calories. Q. What are some direct benefits of playing outdoor games verses working out, say, at a yoga class? Haynes: For one, you get fresh air and often forget you are even exercising because there is not a machine clocking your every move. Plus, yard games can burn up to 100 calories every 30 minutes and are more interval-based, so you are increasing your intensity while boosting your metabolism. Q. Which low-key outdoor games do you recommend for family functions? Haynes: Bocce ball and bean bag toss require minimal setup and stand time. Once you gain some points for your team, you can sip a chilled beverage and snack on healthy finger foods. If your soul is craving some added laughter, lawn twister or volleyball invite a crowd and more vigorous exercise. OUTDOOR GAMES FOR GROWN-UPS 3 S A C R E D H E A R T E A U C L A I R E . O R G

• Cover