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Parkes Phoenix

The Outdoor Gym: Digging, Planting, and Growing Together

May 1, 2025 By Roxane Manley

Pilates is back for Term 2 in Parkes and Forbes. TGo book, go to: www.kerinhealth.com.au/pilates

Nestled at the base of the hill our home sits on, is an old abandoned homestead.

In its front yard, recently dozens of beauti­ful bulbs spring up from the neglected gar­den beds. I piled the kids in the ute and we drove down, shovels on the back. We dug out bulbs and they played in the old house.

I liked the sound of their childish laughter.

Our hands dug deep into the dirt. The sun warmed our backs as we pulled, shoveled and lifted; carting loads back to the ute. I was sweating, my legs ached and my heart rate was up.

We drove home, cheeks flushed pink, eyes bright from the exercise, arms and legs happily sore from the exertion.

We worked quickly. We transplanted the bulbs into our garden, the kids dug holes haphazardly, shoving them into the warm soil. They turn the hose on the transplanted bulbs briefly, then on each other. They ran, they played, blood pumping, muscles grow­ing, and bones getting stronger.

Could exercise get any more enjoyable? I once asked a client what she did for ex­ercise. “Oh nothing really, I don’t go to the gym, I don’t go for walks. I’m just in the gar­den most of the day”. I asked what she did in the garden. She listed a range of activi­ties, including using a push mower up steep hills, mulching and lifting heavy branches.

“That’s all great exercise,” I reassured her.

I catch a glimpse of the new plants through the window. Sunning themselves in their new home, a happy reminder of a day at our very own outdoor gym.

Are you not a gardener, but are looking for ways to exercise? Join our pilates classes or senior exercise classes at Kerin Health.

Contact us on 0437749746 or visit kerin­health.com.au

 

Filed Under: Articles, General Interest, Health & Wellbeing, Special Interests

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