Is Mowing the Lawn Good Exercise

Yes, mowing the lawn is good exercise because pushing a mower gets your heart pumping faster than when you’re not moving. Mowing the lawn also works your muscles and helps you burn calories. It’s a simple way for non-active people to get moving and build strength without having to go to the gym.

In this article, the team at Mowrator USA explains how mowing the lawn can boost your fitness levels. You’ll learn about heart health, calorie burning, and muscle exertion in this article. We’ll even compare different mower types and how they compare in terms of exercise.

Did you know that a 40‐minute session of mowing with a push mower can burn about 246 calories? According to the Journal of Aging and Physical Activity, this statistic shows that even a common chore like mowing your lawn can make a real difference in your fitness level.

Key Takeaways

• You can burn approximately 250 calories just by mowing your lawn for 40 minutes.
• Push mowers provide more of a workout than self-propelled mowers.
• Mowing the lawn once a week is good for your heart and blood oxygen levels.
• A brisk walk at around 4 MPH is almost the same workout level as mowing the lawn.

Can Lawn Mowing Improve Cardiovascular Health?

Yes, mowing the lawn is a great way to improve your cardiovascular health. When you push a mower and walk across your yard multiple times, your heart beats faster. This is similar to the effect of a moderate walk down your street.

The walking movement warms up your body and gets blood flowing. When you use a manual push mower, you work against resistance. This makes your heart work a bit harder. Studies show that regular moderate exercise can lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart disease.

Even if you only mow once a week, every push is good for your heart. Experts recommend doing at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise at a time. Mowing at a steady pace can meet that need. It is a natural way to include aerobic activity in your week. With each push, you are helping to build a stronger, healthier heart.

How Many Calories Can You Burn During a Typical Lawn Mowing Session?

You can burn around 246 calories in a 40-minute session with a push mower. This number can change with different factors.

• The type of mower
• The speed at which you mow
• The size and terrain of your yard

Which Muscles Can Benefit from using a Push Mower?

The muscles that benefit when you mow your lawn with a push mower are your legs, arms, shoulders, and back muscles. Your core is also engaged when you mow the lawn because you use your stomach muscles to walk and push at the same time.

5 Ways to Get a Good Workout When Mowing Your Lawn

Here are some ways you can get the most fitness benefits out of your weekly lawn mowing routine.

1. Use a Push Mower Instead of a Self-Propelled One

While automatic and ride mowers are highly convenient, push mowers allow you to get a workout while you do a seemingly mundane chore. Skip the gym once a week and get your push mower out instead.

2. Walk Fast While Mowing Your Lawn

Try to increase your walking speed while you mow your lawn. The walking and the pushing will engage your muscles more fully, and get your heart rate up too.

3. Engage Your Core and Arm Muscles While You Mow

Focus on using your biceps, chest, and stomach muscles to push the mower forward. This is known as engaging your muscles, and can take some concentration. It also helps to do shallow squats while you walk to exercise your leg muscles.

4. Push Backwards and Forwards as You Move Along Your Mowing Pattern

Moving your arms backwards and forwards in a constant motion will also increase the exertion somewhat. You’ll soon feel the benefits in your arms and lower core muscles.

5. Rake and Bag Your Clippings Afterward

Bending down and bagging your clippings adds to your lawn mowing workout. Aim to squat down with your legs instead of arching your back too much. Also, grab a rake and do another round of walking while you exercise your arms to collect all that grass into a pile.

How does Mowing Compare to Other Forms of Exercise?

Mowing provides more of a workout than some activities, while providing less than others. Activities like bowling or walking offer less of a workout than mowing the lawn. However, swimming and running offer more fitness benefits than mowing the lawn. It’s safe to say that you can skip the gym once a week if you decide to mow the lawn instead.

Here’s an overview of some activities and how they compare to mowing the lawn:

If you like keeping your lawn well-manicured, look out for one of Mowrator’s dealers in the US. We’ve got a whole range of excellent lawn mowers for all kinds of yards, and we can help you with all the parts you need to maintain them, too.

FAQs on Is Mowing the Lawn Good Exercise?

Are there mental health benefits to mowing the lawn?

Yes, there are some mental health benefits to mowing the lawn. The perpetual and down motion plus walking can have a calming effect on your mind. Mowing the lawn can become a meditative exercise as well as a physically beneficial one.

Is there a difference in calorie burn between mowing flat and hilly lawns?

Yes, there’s a difference in mowing up a hilly lawn compared to a flat or downhill one. That’s because the incline makes your legs work harder, as well as your core and arm muscles needed to push the mower upwards.

Should I warm up and stretch before mowing the lawn?

It can be beneficial to warm up and stretch before you start mowing the lawn. This is a good way to make sure your muscles don’t cramp up while you mow, and will also prevent you from getting stiff the next day. Stretching is also good for your heart before any physical exertion.

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