Fixes 4 You

Staff inbox at nytimes.com: I spent last Saturday morning surrounded by the sounds of cicadas, with dirt covering my ⁙⁙⁙, and a developing sunburn on my neck. Despite the grueling conditions, I managed to plant a variety of annuals, transplant fall-blooming mums, and pull out a Montauk daisy that had outgrown its space. As I shoveled mulch, pulled weeds, and lugged around a watering can, I couldn’t help but feel the physical exertion.

Research suggests that gardening activities like these can have a significant impact on one’s physical health. A recent study in Colorado found that people who joined a community garden logged nearly six extra minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity per day compared to those on the waiting list. This may not seem like a_lot, but it adds up to about 42 extra minutes per week.

According to Jill Litt, a professor of environmental health at the University of Colorado at Boulder… this is equivalent to almost 30 percent of the way to meeting the federal recommendations of 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity per week. Gardening has also been linked to better cardio-metabolic health. A study of older adults found that those who gardened as their main physical activity had lower rates of heart attack, stroke, diabetes, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure compared to those who didn’t exercise. Some of the more vigorous gardening activities, such as digging, raking, and hauling potting soil, can even serve as a strength workout… challenging muscles in the arms, legs, “and core.” For more information on the health benefits of gardening, “please visit nytimes.”com.