Bhg
  • Shop
  • News
  • Food
  • DIY
  • Garden
  • Renovating
  • Decorating
  • Health
  • TV
  • Hard to Find
Bhg
  • Shop
  • News
  • Food
  • DIY
  • Garden
  • Renovating
  • Decorating
  • Health
  • TV
  • Hard to Find
Subscribe
  1. Home
  2. Better Life

Gardening is just as good for you as going to the gym

New research proves a little activity goes a long way. - by Laura Barry
  • 22 Mar 2019
Gardening is just as good for you as going to the gym

Interesting results from a long-term study conducted in the US and published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine have found that just a little bit of physical activity goes a long way when it comes to reducing your mortality rate, or risk of early death.

The study surveyed more than 88,000 American adults aged between 40 and 85 years old and each participant was asked to record their minutes of phyfical activity per week as part of a National Health Interview Survey. The researchers followed these people for 12 years  and noted how many of these people died from cancer, heart disease, and how many were still happy, healthy and alive.

As it turns out, the research discovered the physical activity such as dancing, gardening, and going for a walk can all reduce your mortality risk, and all you need is 10 minutes a week.

couple walking dog
Getty

The research found that those who did 10 to 59 minutes of light physical activity each week had a 19 per cent lower overall risk of mortality. Doing more than the 59 minutes each week didn’t really make a huge amount of difference to reducing the mortality rate either. In fact, thos who exercised for 60 to 149 minutes had a lowered risk of 22 per cent, and those who spent 300 to 599 minutes exercising each week only reduced their mortality risk by 26 per cent.

However, if you’re into vigorous exercise such as high intensity work outs, then this will be good news. Those who participated in vigorous activity for 10 to 59 minutes a week reduced mortality risk by 26 per cent, and those who vigorously worked out for 150 minutes or more per week had a 34 per cent reduction in mortality risk.

mum and daughter dancing at home
Getty

Getting the recommended 150 minutes of light to moderate exercise per week brought mortality risk for cardiovascular disease down by 31 percent, but as little as 10 to 59 minutes reduced the risk to 16 percent. Vigorous exercise worked even better, 15 or so minutes reduced cardiovascular risk by 26 percent, and getting 150 minutes got you down to 33 percent reduced risk.

So there you go – as little as 10 minutes per week of physical activity in the garden or going for a walk can make a difference to your health for the better. So don’t be put off by assuming you need to be a gym junkie to reap the rewards. Every minute counts!

You might also like:

3 fun exercises you can do at home 

There is an optimal length for your workout and it's shorter than you think

Weekend workouts just as beneficial as going to the gym several times a week 

  • Health
  • Better Life
Laura Barry
Laura Barry
Laura Barry is a writer, bookworm and interior design enthusiast with a love for reporting on all things homes, travel and lifestyle. When not tapping away at her keyboard, Laura can be found making endless cups of tea or perusing the shelves of Sydney’s many bookstores.

Treat yourself to a subscription-Save up to 25%

Plus, your chance to win

Subscribe Now
Treat yourself to a subscription

Treat yourself to a subscription-Save up to 25%

Plus, your chance to win

Subscribe Now
Treat yourself to a subscription

Recommended to you

YOU’LL NEED A WEDGE TO HANG THAT DOOR
Watch 6:32

YOU’LL NEED A WEDGE TO HANG THAT DOOR

{headline}

{headline}

Kids' fitness with Sam Wood

Kids' fitness with Sam Wood

10 things to avoid so you stick to your diet

10 things to avoid so you stick to your diet

How to keep fit at any age

How to keep fit at any age

When is the best time to eat

When is the best time to eat

{headline}

{headline}

Meet Sam Wood’s family

Meet Sam Wood’s family

Study finds lifting weights helps you live longer

Study finds lifting weights helps you live longer

How you should be taking care of your health this January

How you should be taking care of your health this January

{headline}

{headline}

 5 ways to get the most gains out of your gym visit

5 ways to get the most gains out of your gym visit

Your 2-minute get-fitter guide

Your 2-minute get-fitter guide

8 different ways to burn more fat

8 different ways to burn more fat

9 common causes of water retention

9 common causes of water retention

10 tips for exercising when you’re over 40

10 tips for exercising when you’re over 40

What to do if chocolate is truly your weakness

What to do if chocolate is truly your weakness

The one mistake all Australians are making with sunscreen

The one mistake all Australians are making with sunscreen

Bhg
  • About Us
  • Subscribe Today
  • Contact Us
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
Bhg Magazine Subscribe
  • About Us
  • Subscribe Today
  • Contact Us
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Policy

Brands

  • All Recipes
  • BHG Shop
  • Girlfriend
  • Home Beautiful
  • New Idea
  • New Idea Food
  • Practical Parenting

Our Network

  • marie claire
  • Beauty Crew
  • Who
  • Women's Weekly Food
  • Bounty Parents
  • That’s Life
  • Perth Now
  • The West Australian
  • 7Plus
  • 7mate
  • 7NEWS
  • 7Sport
  • Sunrise
  • Starts at 60
  • Hard to Find
© 2022 Are Media PTY LTD
All products are independently selected, tested or recommended by our team of experts.If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Get more from Better Homes and Gardens

Magazine Subscription Offer

Treat yourself to a subscription-Save up to 25%

Shop This Offer
Treat yourself to a subscription