After a snowstorm, shoveling snow may be a necessity, but it can also be a good workout. You should take care when shoveling snow if you're normally sedentary, however, because snow shoveling is a vigorous aerobic activity.
Snow Shoveling
A 125-lb. person burns 180 calories shoveling snow by hand for a half-hour, according to Harvard Health Publications. A person who weighs 155 lbs. burns 223 calories during a half-hour snow-shoveling session. Someone who is 185 lbs. burns 266 calories per half-hour of snow shoveling.
Considerations
Shoveling snow can be considered a moderate to vigorous aerobic activity. The rise in heart rate, blood pressure and oxygen uptake during snow shoveling are comparable to using a treadmill for the same amount of time. Individuals with risk factors for cardiovascular disease who are normally sedentary may increase their likelihood of having a heart attack if they vigorously shovel snow.
Alternatives
A common alternative to shoveling snow is to use a snow blower. Using a snow blower burns fewer calories than shoveling snow by hand. For example, a 125-lb. person only burns 135 calories in a half-hour when using a snow blower.
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