Looking outside and seeing all the leaves in your yard might seem a bit overwhelming, so here is where you could turn a negative into a positive. Raking leaves for exercise.

I am serious, raking leaves helps build upper-body strength as well as core strength. As you are raking, your core is working to stabilize your body while your arms are moving.

AARP says that fall is a great time, and especially with the excellent weather we are are having, you can get outside get some fresh air and with raking your leaves. You could get some exercise in as well. There is also the benefit of having a nice looking yard.

Raking leaves is considered moderate physical activity, similar to a brisk walk, according to Barbara Ainsworth, an exercise epidemiologist at San Diego State University. It helps build upper-body strength, as well as core strength, or strength in your back and stomach.

A 135 pound person (I wish) could burn as much as 240 calories raking their leaves for one hour.

Some advice if you are going to go out and work outside. Wear layers. You might start out a bit chilled, but once you start raking believe me you will heat up pretty fast.

It is a good idea to warm up a bit before exerting yourself. If your body is not ready you could possibly give yourself a backache or worse. Pay attention to posture and be careful not to twist your spine.

One last thing, you could always pay the kid down the street to rake the leaves for you while you enjoy a nice fall drink on your porch.

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