Physical Exercise
Years ago, before I started gardening, I used to exercise all of the time. I remember running sprints as young a child, up my street. It was my conditioning for basketball. I grew up playing basketball and even received a full ride scholarship to a highly credible division one program. Exercise was a huge part of my life. At my peak, I could run 8.5 miles in a hour. I can’t even imagine doing that now.
As soon as gardening became a part of my life, I slowly transitioned from running and weightlifting, to shoveling and walking around my property. Sometimes running around the yard, hurrying to get plants in the ground before my husband saw how many new ones there were. I can only imagine what my neighbors were thinking. Can you relate fellow gardeners? I have some hilarious stories regarding this topic, but that’s for another time. If you feel so inspired, I would love to hear your funny stories. I could always use a good laugh!
Being in the yard does not feel like exercise, but it is hard work and burns a ton of calories. Sometimes I work so hard, without realizing it, that my body needs to rest for several days to recover. I worried at first that if I did not run hard and lift weights I would gain weight. I love to eat and dieting is just not something I am good at. It turns out that gardening is as effective at maintaining my healthy weight. I am as strong as I was lifting weights and working outside is much more fun! I don’t have to force myself to do it, nor do I dread the physical exertion.
The physical exercise that comes from being in the garden and around the flowers brings so many benefits for my mental health. I feel strong and healthy physically, which brings confidence. I know I can create flower beds with my body. That knowledge is extremely empowering. I get endorphins; feel good chemicals that trigger positive feelings in my mind. If I am having an anxious day or have anxious energy I get outside with a shovel. This helps release some of those anxious or intrusive thoughts and helps me to be more focused and in the present moment. Trust me it’s much better than stewing around in anxious or negative thoughts. If you tend to be an angrier person, shoveling is just right for you. It’s a pretty aggressive action, allowing you to release some energy, and doesn’t hurt anyone.
I’m grateful for the things exercise and gardening has taught me. I used to be unhealthy about exercise. I thought I had to run a certain time to feel like I was in shape and compared myself to the old me and to others. What was I trying to prove? That I can run fast? Saying that out loud is comical. I wasn’t even signed up for a race. For me, this process was no fun at all. I have a much healthier perspective on exercise now. It has taught me that I do not have to prove anything with exercise. It is the way it makes me feel that’s most important. I know that as soon as I get outside, breathe the fresh air, hear the birds singing, and get my endorphins going I will start feeling better. I’m pretty close (wink, wink) to beating my husband in an arm wrestle… from all those stumps I have pulled out. Almost, but not quite, he has abnormal natural arm strength!
- The Flower Fanatic
