Does gardening really burn as many calories as yoga or volleyball?

A new study has found that frequent gardening boosts well-being and provides the same kind of physical fitness that we usually associate with more traditional workouts.

Researchers from Britain’s Royal Horticultural Society found that exposure to sunlight, healthy bacteria, and greenery (aka the “daylight spectrum”) increases the mood-stabilizing hormone serotonin and helps the brain focus on retention. This makes the work associated with gardening seem like less exertion than it actually is. A gardener essentially lifts and performs squats between walks.

The research indicated that just 30 minutes of gardening was equivalent to 30 minutes of badminton, volleyball, or yoga with respect to the calories being burned. What’s more, the vitamin D provided by direct sunlight increases the amount of energy we generate while exercising and increases oxidation of the body tissue.

Participants who gardened at least two to three times a week enjoyed the most profound benefits. Previously conducted research has shown that exercising outdoors can also lower blood pressure. 

“The data supports the notion that domestic gardens should be given greater prominence in urban planning debates, due to the role they play in providing health benefits,” the study authors wrote.

Green thumb prevents the blues

Although the authors of the new report documented a slew of physical health benefits from habitual gardening, most people seek to improve their mood.

Here’s how it works: Any kind of physical activity activates chemicals in the brain important to mood regulation. The same is true of exposure to sunlight. Additionally, there are bacteria that thrive in greenery that also contribute to the production of serotonin.

Gardners scored higher on average than non-gardeners in the study. This was doubly true for people with existing health conditions. Moreover, satisfaction and engagement improved as the amount of green space increased in people’s gardens.

“Research over the last decade at universities from around the globe show that participation in regular outdoor exercise can often be as effective as antidepressants in treating mild depression,” author  Shawna Coronado said.