If you’re trying to lose weight, there’s a good chance you’re looking for exercise options. But if you’ve never heard of lawnmower exercise, it’s time to learn about this great way to torch calories! Keep reading for more information on how to do this workout and its benefits. You may be surprised at just how effective lawnmower exercise can be!
What is a Lawnmower Exercise?
Lawnmower exercise is a full-body workout that can be done almost anywhere. It’s also relatively low-impact, so it’s easy on your joints. And because you’re using your body weight for resistance, it’s a great way to build strength and endurance.
Lawnmower Exercise Instructions
1. Start by standing with your feet shoulder-width apart and your knees slightly bent.
2. Reach down and place your hands on the ground, aligning them with your shoulders.
3. From this position, “mow” the lawn by alternating sides; as you mow one side, bring your opposite elbow up to meet your knee. Again, be sure to keep your back straight throughout the exercise.
4. Continue mowing for 30 seconds to 1 minute or until you feel like you can’t go any further.
5. Take a quick break and repeat the exercise 2-3 more times.
Lawnmowers and Your Back
This exercise may seem easy, but it’s pretty challenging, especially if you hold the position for longer. Plus, it targets all the major muscle groups in your back, which is why it’s so effective at relieving pain. In addition to strengthening your back muscles, this exercise also helps improve your posture and increase your range of motion.
Different Types of Lawnmower Exercises
The Standard Walk
The standard walk is the most common type of lawnmower exercise. To do the regular walk, start the lawnmower and walk behind it. You can go at whatever pace, but keep the lawnmower steady, so you don’t have to start and stop frequently. This exercise is great for people just beginning to get in shape because it’s low-impact and easy on the joints.
The Power Walk
The power walk is a more intense version of the standard walk. First, start following the lawnmower at a moderate pace to do the power walk. Once you’ve gotten comfortable with that, increase your speed to a fast walk or even a light jog. This exercise is great for people who are already in shape because it increases your heart rate and helps you burn more calories.
The Sprint
Sprint is the most intense type of lawnmower exercise. Start by jogging behind the lawnmower at a moderate pace to make the sprint. Once you’ve gotten comfortable with that, increase your speed to a full-out sprint. This exercise is excellent for people who are already in shape because it increases your heart rate and helps you burn more calories. However, it’s important to be careful when doing this type of exercise because it can be easy to overdo it and hurt yourself.
How to Perform Lawnmower Exercise?
Lawnmower exercise is very simple to do.
- First, find a piece of flat ground at least 20 feet long.
- Next, stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and place your hands on your hips.
- Bend forward at the waist and touch the ground with your fingertips.
- From this position, slowly walk on while keeping your back straight.
- As you walk, alternate picking up your right foot and then your left foot as if you were walking on a tightrope.
- Continue walking forward until you reach the end of the flat ground.
- Once you reach the end, turn around and walk back to the starting position. Repeat this process for 3-5 sets.
Benefits of Lawnmower Exercises
1. They Burn Calories
Lawnmower exercises are a great way to burn calories and lose weight. For example, one study found that just 30 minutes of lawn mowing can burn up to 210 calories. You’ll burn more than double the calories compared to walking at a moderate pace!
2. They Improve Cardiovascular Health
In addition to burning calories, lawnmower exercises also improve your cardiovascular health. This is because these exercises raise your heart rate and pump blood. As a result, they help to lower blood pressure and improve blood circulation.
3. They Strengthen Muscles
Lawnmower exercises don’t just burn calories and improve cardiovascular health; they also strengthen muscles. This is because these exercises require you to use multiple muscle groups simultaneously. For example, you use your arms, legs, and core muscles simultaneously when you push a lawnmower.
4. They Boost Energy Levels
Regular exercise boosts energy levels, and lawnmower exercises are no exception. If you feel tired during the day, try taking a quick walk around the block or mowing the lawn for 15 minutes. You’ll be surprised at how much more energy you have!
5. They Improve Balance and Coordination
Lawnmower exercises also improve balance and coordination. This is because these exercises require you to use your arms and legs unison while keeping your body stable. As a result, they help to improve proprioception (the body’s ability to sense where it is in space) and kinesthetic awareness (the ability to feel movement).
6. They Reduce Stress Levels
Exercise is a great way to reduce stress levels and promote relaxation. This is because exercise releases endorphins (mood-boosting hormones) into the brain. So, if you’re feeling stressed or anxious, try going for a walk or taking a spin on the lawn mower. You’ll feel better in no time!
7. They Help You Sleep Better
Lastly, lawnmower exercises can help you sleep better at night. This is because exercise helps to regulate the body’s sleep-wake cycle (also known as the circadian rhythm). So, if you have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep, try exercising during the day or early evening hours. You’ll sleep like a baby!
Final Thoughts
Lawnmower exercise is a great way to burn calories and improve overall health. With so many benefits, it’s no wonder this exercise is becoming more popular. So, if you’re looking for a new workout, give lawnmower exercise a try! You won’t be disappointed!
Frequently Asked Questions
Are lawnmowers good for exercise?
Lawn mowing is a lot like pushing someone on an old-fashioned sled. If you dig deep and push hard, not only will your cardio improve but so too does strength training with all those glute muscles!
What muscles do lawnmowers work?
Lawnmowers are a great way to get your entire body working in sync. It’s an exercise that will strengthen muscles all over, including those found near the neck and shoulder area.
What does the dumbbell lawnmower work for?
This exercise is a variation on the classic dumbbell row, which means it trains your back muscles. But because this gets your whole body into movement and skyrockets heart rate too, we can burn fat with these exercises.
How many calories does mowing burn?
Burn the most calories in 30 minutes using a hand mower, followed closely by power and light machines. Use them respectively when you want to burn 172 or 192 units of energy.
