Snow Shoveling as a Workout at He's Fit

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Snow Shoveling as a Workout

Posted February 24, 2009 at 10:48 AM by Jamal Walker

Section: His Fitness, Alt. Therapies, His Health, Physical Health

Snow Shoveling No one likes to do it, but when done properly and safely, shoveling snow can be a good workout.

As a matter of fact, it is an activity much like weight lifting where you exert a lot of energy without much movement.

Check out this full report from the Cleveland Clinic:

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135 Responses to “Snow Shoveling as a Workout” (Leave a reply)

Valerie Bertinelli Diet from us said:

I find shoveling with headphones on to be rather enjoyable, not to say that I am not glad to see the snow finally disappear!
April 2, 2009 at 05:09 AM
Ron Russell from Brookhaven,MS said:

Live in the deep south and never had to shovel snow, but live on the farm and had to shovel out the horse and cow stalls. Hard good work too, but not as appealing.
April 7, 2009 at 05:48 PM
Elaphotography from Australia said:

It’s like all-in-one, a chore and a workout. It’s time saving too. :)
April 14, 2009 at 11:05 AM
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April 28, 2009 at 04:31 AM
Ron Russell from Brookhaven,MS said:

Don’t have much snow here, but use to work on a dairy farm and the shovel had an entirely other purpose there. Excerise is always good however. I always feel better after a long run through the woods.
May 13, 2009 at 08:20 AM
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It’s a real good work out. the first couple of shovels are as lite as can be, then after that they get heavyer and heavyer GOOD LUCK!!!!
June 11, 2009 at 08:11 AM
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I am almost 15 and will be snow shoveling driveways until about April, but the only problem is that I don’t know how much i should charge.
June 16, 2009 at 01:26 PM
Day Spa Chatswood from Mumbai said:

Excerise is always good for health. I always feel better after a long run through the woods.
June 17, 2009 at 02:39 AM
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yaa!its really good work out.like all in one a chore and a work out.thank you.
June 22, 2009 at 01:48 AM
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It’s a real good work out. the first couple of shovels are as lite as can be
June 22, 2009 at 03:30 AM
Grand Rapids from Grand Rapids, Michigan said:

Shoveling is a great workout. I like the feeling I get when I’m finished and I’m beating the cold and I can walk around for a while. But shoveling kills a lot of older people every year that don’t realize how intensely strenuous it is. Just be careful is all I have to say.
June 24, 2009 at 04:13 PM
ryan Test Equipment from http://www.products4testing.co.uk/ said:

yaa! its really good work out i always feel better after a long run through the woods.
June 26, 2009 at 06:41 AM
Harry BingoLive from India said:

Basically its such a good job and i really do appreciate for this effort.
June 27, 2009 at 12:01 AM
Baby Rattles from India said:

Its always very good to have more people to your business no matter what kind of this is.
June 27, 2009 at 06:17 AM
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Stretching is especially important in the winter months when it’s easier to cramp up or pull a cold muscle.
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July 3, 2009 at 11:30 PM
Alcohol Rehab from UK said:

As a recovering alcoholic I love to find new ways to get in shape. I’m gonna have to try some snow shovelling once the summer is gone. Thanks for the heads up
July 6, 2009 at 01:45 PM
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It’s impossible to lift with your abs instead of your back, muscles can only pull, they can’t push.Just shoveling will work them. Running works them, so obviously the more you use your legs, the more work your abs will be doing. It’s hard to target your abs when you’re doing something that requires you to lean over.
July 9, 2009 at 12:58 AM
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Snow shovelling is definitely a great way to work those arms and back… careful though, you don’t want to hurt yourself :)
July 11, 2009 at 03:33 AM
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What a great idea. Shoveling of snow is really interesting workout. But shoveling kills a lot of older people every year that don’t realize how intensely strenuous it is. So one should be careful while performing such risky task.
July 11, 2009 at 06:24 AM
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A gym or fitness center will probably be the best way to find a qualified trainer.
July 11, 2009 at 06:27 AM
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July 13, 2009 at 01:43 AM
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You definitely aren’t barking up the wrong tree with this outdoor workout tip—grab your dog’s leash and take him or her for a walk. Walking is a great way to warm up for a more intense exercise.
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July 16, 2009 at 05:17 AM
LiveBingo from Gurgaon said:

A fitness center will probably be the best way to find a qualified trainer. Shoveling of snow is really interesting workout. But shoveling kills a lot of older people every year that don’t realize how intensely strenuous it is. So one should be careful while performing such risky task.
July 20, 2009 at 07:24 AM
Pat Testers from india said:

Well you burn calories and it takes physical work so that makes it exercize!! You burn 408 calories per hour shoveling snow!! Also it needs to be done anyways so that makes it even better because you are getting a little exercize, getting outside a bit, buring calories, and getting something that is needed done all at the same time!!
July 21, 2009 at 07:22 AM
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Wow! Snow shoveling is a very interesting task in this dangerous summer season. I want to do full time instead of part time.
July 22, 2009 at 05:23 AM
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I need to know ASAP so that I can do it, cuz my ankle hurts too much to go running on my treadmill!!
July 22, 2009 at 07:27 AM
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I love snow, I just wish we had more of it in England so I could get a snow shovel workout too!
July 22, 2009 at 12:25 PM
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Hi,Well you burn calories and it takes physical work so that makes it exercise!! You burn 408 calories per hour shoveling snow!! Also it needs to be done anyways so that makes it even better because you are getting a little exercise, getting outside a bit, burning calories, and getting something that is needed done all at the same time!!
July 23, 2009 at 02:25 AM
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Tracy From Hemmoroids Relief said:

It can be a very good workout but the problem can be that there are many folks that only do this exercise in the winter when it is a necessity.

The other months of the year, they will go without doing any exercise and by shoveling you can really hurt yourself and if you’re older can be very serious.

So I think it’s important to remember that with anything, check with your doctor and ease into any exercise regimen.
August 2, 2009 at 03:58 PM
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Well I have not tried it yet. I will try it in this snowfall. Your post is fantastic.
August 3, 2009 at 02:54 AM
Live Bingo from Gurgaon said:

I have never tried it before. But i think snow shoveling is an risky tasks to perform which include great amount of fun also. It may be dangerous when it is performed without appropriate care.
August 3, 2009 at 04:25 AM
Dominic said:

You really need lots of energy doing this activity. Its kinda similar to weight lifting that you need to put a lot of effort to get this job done.
August 3, 2009 at 06:06 AM
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It is the best shoulder workout.
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August 8, 2009 at 02:12 PM
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Can be very exhausting work if there’s a lot of snow, remember to watch your back and don’t overdo it if your not used to exercise.
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I need to know ASAP so that I can do it, cuz my ankle hurts too much to go running on my treadmill!!thanks.
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Its kinda similar to weight lifting that you need to put a lot of effort to get this job done. nice post thanks a lot for sharing.
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October 27, 2009 at 02:45 PM
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Erik from Detroit, MI said:

Snow shoveling is definitely pretty good for you, but it’s good to stretch before you start lifting heavy snow. Because this puts stress on muscle and your body, old people should be very careful. I’ve heard a lot of old people having heart attacks.
December 1, 2009 at 06:50 AM
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Hi
This is really good .According to the Surgeon General’s Report on Physical Activity and Health, just 15 minutes of snow shoveling counts as moderate physical activity! And seeing as how the optimum stay-in-goal for aerobic activity is 30 minutes of moderate physical activity at least 3 times a week - then shoveling snow certainly fits the bill!
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Its a good way to get in shape. Specially when you have nothing to do in winter, its better to do snow shoveling as a workout.
December 3, 2009 at 05:30 PM
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I never prefer to do snow Shoveling but when I come to know that if we do it properly and safely its very nice workout. No need to go to gym.
December 4, 2009 at 06:45 AM
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It sure is a good work-out. (But I wonder why I have to shovel snow in front of my garage at my apartment. I would have thought my 20% increase in rent this year would cover that kind of maintenance). Anyway I did an hour of cardie before shoveling and I was better for it.
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Snow shoveling can be great exercise, but I have also read (anecdotal)stories about older people over-exerting themselves and having heart attacks. So I guess it’s important to also say, be careful (and don’t slip). :)
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A fresh snow is one of the most beautiful and peaceful things to witness, but shoveling snow can be very stressful. The physical exertion of bending, lifting, and twisting, combined with the exposure to freezing weather conditions, can take a serious toll on the body.
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Shoveling is a workout, and the key to any successful workout is staying hydrated. But don’t be fooled by the cold weather; dehydration is an issue no matter what the temperature. Be sure to drink plenty of water before, during, and after your shoveling session.
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Anything related to positive health is great! The amount of energy reqired to do Shoveling is huge. Most of us staying in places where there is snowfall have to clear up with this now or later. The interesting thing that I learnt from this atricle is - “The Correct way to do it” I am happy to learn the right way. Hope to implement and practice more of the corect posture and stance.
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This is a great video thank you. I lost my job do to the economy and I have been waiting for it to snow because im going to try and make some money shoveling snow just like when I was a kid. It has been hard to find work.
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