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carl3head2
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Shovel Snow to Burn Calories, do an Aerobic Workout, Lose Weight
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Most experts on health and fitness agree that we should strive for 30 minutes of moderate exercise daily. That means there are several benefits associated with snow shoveling: exercise, fresh air, and the accomplishment of a needed task! The downside is that the medical community reports an increase in the number of heart attacks, injuries from falls and back injuries after major snow events. To safely accomplish the snow removal with the benefits of exercise requires some attention to safety and a healthy dose of common sense.

Here in Minnesota, it has snowed 17 of last 21 days. Granted, it has been only 1/2 to 1 on most days. But the decks, paths to bird feeders and the slab in front of the garage should be cleaned every day. It takes about 30 minutes to remove up to an inch of snow from those spaces in this yard.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xq1by3meAC4

Calories Burned Shoveling Snow

According to the Harvard Medical School, a 155 pound person will burn 223 calories in 30 minutes of shoveling snow. Compare this to 205 calories for 30 minutes of low-impact aerobics or 149 calories for 30 minutes of walking at 3.5 mph. Shoveling snow is roughly comparable to weight lifting. A 155 pound person lifting weights for 30 minutes will burn 112 calories, half of that used shoveling snow.

Shoveling snow for 30 minutes per day burned an additional 3791 calories in the last 3 weeks (223 calories times 17 days of snow). A person needs to burn 3500 calories to lose one pound, so a pound should be gone! The Mayo Clinic provides much information on weight loss the healthy way, by increasing exercise and decreasing calorie intake.

Walking behind a snow blower consumes 167 calories in 30 minutes for the same 155 pound person, according to Harvard Medical School.

How to Dress for Strenuous Outdoor Activity

When preparing for snow shoveling, it's important to wear the proper attire:

Always wear a hat and gloves to keep your head and hands warm, prevent body heat loss.Dress in layers. As the body warms up from activity, a layer such as sweater under the winter coat may be removed. Hyperthermia lowering of body temperature is a threat to those not dressed properly for the outdoor conditions.In northern parts of the US and in Canada, it is normal for the temperatures to plunge after a snowstorm, often to sub-zero temperatures. Breathing very cold air can be damaging to lungs. If the air is bitterly cold, wearing a scarf or a facemask over the mouth and nose can help warm the air before it is inhaled.Tips for Safe Snow Shoveling

A prepared body tends to function more efficiently," explains Jude Sullivan, an exercise physiologist at University of Wisconsin Health Sports Medicine who occasionally works to help rehabilitate patients who've injured themselves shoveling snow. "A few minutes of warm-up before shoveling can go a long way toward preventing muscle injuries, as well as reduce the soreness one may experience hours later," according to Sullivan.

Use the techniques for safe lifting. Bend the knees, keep the back straight. Lift with the legs, not the back. Do not curl over the shovel, stand and walk straight. If possible, push the snow rather than lifting each shovel full.Watch for icy patches, especially if the snow began as rain or sleet.Pace yourself! There should not be a contest to see who on the block can clear the sidewalk the fastest. Take a break when out of breath, feeling tired or feeling any pain. Begin slowly.Stay hydrated. Bring a bottle of water outside to make this easier.Do some warm-ups and stretches before beginning to reduce the risk of muscle injuries. When the task is finished, stretch again to cool the muscles down.Try out several shovels in the store to find one that is comfortable to use and not too heavy. Bigger is not necessarily better. A wider blade will encourage people to scoop up more snow at a time, which increases the weight of each load. Find a handle that fits well curved or straight. Do some shoveling in the store aisle to find a comfortable shovel.Shovel Snow Safely to Remove Snow, Burn Calories and Obtain Moderate Exercise

With attention to safety and proper techniques, shoveling snow can be a rewarding form of moderate exercise and a good method of burning calories.

http://www.perloasis.org/snow-elimination-is-an-essential-evil-when-it-comes-to-having-a-house/

http://suite101.com/shovel-snow-to-burn-calories-do-an-aerobic-workout-lose-weight-a328862




 
 
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