Snowy winters put an end to outdoor tennis or soccer, but shoveling that new blanket of snow on your driveway provides a practical way to burn calories. Lightweight snow shovels with sturdy handles make the job easier.
Intensity
Shoveling snow involves your major muscle groups and increases your heart and breathing rate. You might have short, intense bursts of energy when heavy snow requires lifting, or when you must break up clumps of ice or frozen slush.
Calories Burned
You burn 422 calories in one hour shoveling snow if you weight 155 lbs., according to NutriStrategy nutrition and exercise website. The more you weigh, the more energy you expend shoveling. You burn 558 calories per hour if you weigh 205 lbs.
Warning
The sudden exertion of shoveling snow, combined with cold temperatures, can cause problems for those who are not fit. Be cautious if you have a history of heart problems or if you are overweight or sedentary, advises the American Heart Association. Cold, dry air sometimes triggers asthma attacks, so wear a scarf or face mask in extreme conditions if you have sensitive lungs.
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