How much excercise...

[Shakey1500]

...will l I realistically do by gardening?

We've been in our house for a year, concentrated on the indoors and now it's time to sort the garden. And what a mess! I've never done any type of gardening before (save mowing the lawn) yet today I've been on my hands and knees weeding and digging up roots. I've used muscles I never knew I had and ache to high heaven already. Goodness knows how I'll get out of bed tomorrow..

So...how long till I look like Jessica Ennis?

Six weeks !

Hmm. I've been an obsessive diligent gardener for over a decade and still don't look like Jessica Ennis. I do, though, have strong arms.

Digging is the best exercise with gardening. Big folk and get digging! Get off your knees and do it stood up, you'll ache loads but it will use more muscle.

Lol erm fork not folk

If you do end up looking like Jessica Ennis, bring out a garden exercise dvd and get rich on the proceeds!

Ooh now there's an idea

I will be standing and forking at some point. Just that the tiny bit I've started on was next to the fence that has some trees by it, there not being enough room to stand even. Never mind wield a fork (or folk!) to it.

I'm proud of the little patch I've done so far though

It depends on how much heavy work you can or are prepared to do.
A bit of pottering won't make much difference to your levels of fitness, but you will feel great for the fresh air and activity. And of course sense of achievement!

I do all the digging, moving and splitting plants, pruning, cutting back and weeding.
Have also just finished laying new brick paths and a brick base for our new greenhouse, assembled by moi! I'm fairly fit but my back and knees and fingers feel it by the end of the day.

DH mows the lawn beautifully - bless him