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Expert Q&A
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| By Catherine Cram, M.S. Postpartum Fitness Expert Exercise Physiologist | ||
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I'm outside working in the yard a lot. Does this really count as exercise?
Mowing is a great activity for your heart and a total body workout. You can increase your exercise level by picking up your pace and really putting your upper body into pushing the mower. Try and maintain at least a 20-minute bout for optimal cardiovascular benefit.
Weeding and gardening are also wonderful ways to strengthen your body. Remember to use good body mechanics and always lift with your legs, not your back. When hoeing or raking, use your arms and legs to do the work. Take frequent rest breaks to avoid injury, and don't lift anything that feels too heavy.
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