Working in the garden can count as exercise. Using a shovel or garden fork to lift and turn dirt or compost increases your muscular strength and endurance; kneeling and standing after removing weeds can increase your flexibility and raking leaves can increase your cardio output. Why would you bother going for a walk - unless of course it was to go and see someone else's garden?

This is one of the things that I love about gardening - I can get a good solid workout while I'm enjoying my hobby. Try achieving that when you're next reading your favourite novel!! I know many people who prefer to have compost tumblers rather than fork their own but I find that the workout I get from regularly turning my own compost means less time I have to spend in a sterile gym.

When you're next out in the garden performing a few chores, take some timeto consider all the activities you do and the benefits your body is reaping from them.