You don't even have to fork out top dollars to join a health club, or lace up your running or walking shoes to get a good workout. Your "gym," so to speak, could be right in your own backyard - your garden.

Health experts say that gardening - digging in the soil, hauling stuff, getting back to nature - is a great way to stay active and help you get in shape. Besides, you and your family can eat the extremely healthy vegetables from that garden. 

Try these 12 gardening activities to get fit: 

•  turning over soil;

•  digging holes;

•  raking your lawn;

•  hoeing;

•  hauling mulch or topsoil in a wheelbarrow;

•  pushing a lawn mower or fertilizer spreader;

•  chopping and stacking wood;

•  shoveling dirt or mulch;

•  laying sod;

•  pulling up and hauling away brush;

•  pruning branches with a handsaw;

•  installing a lawn.

Before you try any of these activities, check with your doctor first to ensure your body can handle them, especially the last six pretty strenuous chores that require you to be in somewhat good shape.

For more gardening tips, visit the National Gardening Association.

Source: Poise Life & Health, University of the Sciences

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