By Harold White, Health Promotion Manager
Formation Halifax
(902) 427-0550 (ext 7803), White.HP@forces.gc.ca

The sun feels warm on your face. The sky is blue. The snow has melted. As Canadians, we truly look forward to the spring season.

One common rite of spring is preparing our gardens so that we may enjoy their beauty later on. While some research has shown the energy we expend gardening is too low to bring true fitness benefits, there is very clear evidence of other health benefits derived from this activity.

The Halifax Health Promotion (HP) staff from left to right: Annette Huyter, HP Director; Catherine Caillie, HP Administrative Assistant; Melanie Bower, HP Manager; and Harold White, HP Manager.

Gardening is a great activity because it doesn’t feel like work, and our efforts result in something wonderful. In addition to the satisfaction of adding beauty to our properties or vegetables to our table, gardening can improve our overall mental health and well being through the satisfaction of knowing that we have spent time exercising in the great outdoors.

Research has shown that gardening for 30-45 minutes several days a week can have significant health benefits. These benefits include decreasing a person’s risk of high blood pressure and diabetes, as well as contributing to healthier bones, muscles, and joints. In addition, gardening activities such as digging, lifting, trimming shrubs, and mowing lawns can require the same energy as walking, cycling or swimming.

As with other forms of physical activity, we must plan our approach to gardening. If we have been inactive during the winter months, it is advisable to start a basic fitness routine before the gardening season begins. This preparation will help us to ease into the activity and avoid sore muscles and a tired back.

When beginning any physical activity, it is always advisable to check with our family physician. For additional assistance, PSP’s Fitness and Sports Centre staff can design a program to help prepare our bodies for gardening. An excellent example of such a fitness program can also be found online at www.gardenfitness.com.

It is important to approach a day in the garden in the same manner we would any other physical activity. For example, a warm-up and series of stretches should always be performed before starting any activity. It is also important to take frequent breaks and to always have plenty of water on hand. Dehydration can greatly impact our ability to perform activities in the heat.

It is also important to ensure that we apply sunscreen and wear a hat for protection from the harmful rays of the sun. Having the proper tools and clothing can also help us to avoid unnecessary injury. For example, wearing gloves can prevent chafing and blistering, and wearing footwear with the proper treading can prevent slips and falls.

So, now that the warmer weather is arriving, we need to take some time to prepare our bodies for the upcoming season. In doing so, we will maximize our enjoyment and reduce the risk of injuring ourselves. After having endured the harsh winter months, we all deserve to enjoy the great spring season.

Photo Credit: Neil Thibeault