Can You Get a Workout Raking Leaves?

At this time of year, people renew their gym memberships to shed excess holiday pounds. But old-fashioned work might be just about as good. A study from Bellarmine University and the Oregon State University included 6,000 Americans. It found that short bursts of physical activity, such as raking leaves instead of using a leaf blower, taking the stairs instead of the elevator and moving around during TV commercials could be as effective in promoting good health as a long bout at the gym.

[American Journal of Health Promotion, Jan./Feb 2013]