Like many yard-work type tasks, shoveling snow can burn calories faster than other home care activities. After all, you're walking around, keeping your body warm, moving a shovel and lifting frozen water. All of these things add up to a fair workout.
Baseline Calories
Shoveling snow burns about 200 calories per 30 minutes of activity, according to HealthStatus. This figure is based on an individual weighing approximately 140 lb.
Body Weight
Body weight is a major factor in how many calories a person burns. While a 140-lb. person may burn 200 calories shoveling, a 200-pound person would burn 275 calories doing the same job in the same amount of time. A 120-pound person would burn only 165 calories.
Variables
Several other variables come into play when shoveling snow. The colder it is outside, the more calories you'll burn. Shoveling faster will also increase the amount of calories your burn. Likewise, taking long rests -- or using a snow blower instead of a shovel -- will reduce the amount of calories you burn.
References
- "Eat, Drink and Be Healthy"; Dr. Walter Willett, et al; 2006
- "You: The Owner's Manual"; Michael Rozien & Mehmet Oz; 2005
- Health Status: Calories Burned by Exercise
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