How Many Calories Are Burned Doing Work Around the House Raking Leaves?

Raking leaves is a beloved fall tradition for some, and a year-round headache for others, but whether you enjoy yard work or not, you burn calories every time you add to the pile.

Calories and Weight

Calories are a measure of energy expended, and 3,500 calories is the equivalent of one lb. of excess weight. When you burn more calories than you ingest each day, you lose weight. A deficit of just 500 calories per day yields a weight loss of 1 lb. per week, according to MayoClinic.com.

Calories Per Hour

Moderate yard work, such as raking leaves or grass clippings burns 303 calories per hour if you weigh 155 lbs. You burn 400 calories per hour if you weigh 205 lbs. The heavier you are, the more calories your burn during physical activity.

Movement

Keeping active during the day is a good way to keep fit. The calories you burn walking around, doing chores or climbing stairs add up over time, and help keep excess weight off.

References

• MayoClinic.com: Exercise for Weight Loss: Calories Burned in One Hour
• Nutristrategy: Calories Burned During Exercise