I have a question...the other day my husband and I had to clear tree limbs (very large and heavy). We walked across the yard and the only time I stopped was to get a few sips of water. It took us about 4 hours and during the whole time I was sweating and my heart was beating very fast. Was this an actual form of exercise? The reason I am asking is b/c I have to skip my workout today and wanted to see how many days I have gotten in so far. Thanks!
Absolutely. If you puff & sweat, you're getting exercise. This kind of thing is what people used to do all the time, before they had to do "exercise" (and how people who live in places where they have to do physical labour just to survive stay fit, whether it's farming or hauling water or whatever. I spent a couple of years living in east Africa, mostly in rural areas. People sure aren't fat there, but it wouldn't cross their minds to head to the gym (not that there were any gyms!). They didn't do it to get into shape, but it kept them in shape just the same!
Try this...Fitday.com says that for every minute spent "Carrying, loading, or stacking wood, loading/unloading or carrying lumber", you burn 4 calories.
Also check out www.caloriesperhour.com it is an awesome site for calculating calories in all types of food and calories burned doing exercise (it even has regular stuff like walking the dog, reading, sleeping etc.)
Female 28, 5' 5", 265 lb BMI=44.1 RMR=1,933
Stacking Wood or Lumber
2,404 calories in 4 hr
didn't know how tall u were, so I just put in 5'5! But there is an example for ya from the site!