Is gardening better than gym membership? Gillian Vine compares the two.
On its website, (www.health.govt.nz), the Ministry of Health has notes about going to a gym.
Long an advocate of gardening as a better way of working out, I compared the ministry's advice on gyms with the advantages of the garden.
First up on the website are questions about the cost and whether you must pay a lump sum up front or pay as you go. Gardens are pay as you go and, unlike a gym, the cost can be as little as the budget allows. Score one for the garden.
Next question was whether you could have a trial session before committing. Yes, if you join in community-garden activities or grew up in a gardening family but otherwise it's unlikely. Score a half point for the gym.
Do you have to join for an extended time period? Yes, if you are to harvest homegrown food or enjoy the changing seasons. Score one for the garden.
Are all fees clearly outlined? No, thanks to those impulse buys at the garden centre. Score one for the gym.
What are the penalties for cancelling your membership? Lack of fitness and wellbeing. Score the same for gym and garden.
A convenient location is important. The garden is right there and can take up a tiny space, as with planters on a fence. Score one for the garden.
Unless you're into planting by the moon or getting out with a torch to kill slugs at midnight, the 24/7 gym wins. Score one for the gym.
Motivating yourself to get in the car, drive to a gym and work out can be a pain but it is not affected by the weather. Pulling out a few weeds requires no such effort. Score the same for gym and garden.
"It is essential that your exercise routine fits your needs and is safe for you, particularly if you are over 65 or have medical conditions that may affect the types of activities you may do,'' the ministry's website advises.
Raised beds can be the answer for older gardeners, while a gym with staff trained to deal with your situation can be helpful in ensuring confidence when exercising. Score the same for gym and garden.
On gyms, the ministry suggests checking if there is enough equipment, up to date and well maintained. In the garden, buying a new spade or the annual lawnmower servicing adds to the cost. Gyms build equipment cost into their fees. Score one for the gym.
Is there music to exercise to (and is it to your taste) and is there is something to look at while you are exercising?
If you must have music in the garden, the choice is yours, but it does drown out the birdsong as well as the neighbour's chainsaw. And no-one ever pottered in a garden and complained there was nothing to see. Score one for the garden.
"Do they offer referrals to health practitioners, such as physiotherapists, in case of injury?'' asks the website.
Alas, no, in the case of garden injuries. Score one for the gym.
"A personal trainer can help you to stay motivated. Many gyms and fitness centres have personal trainers available for an additional cost. This will range from $50 to $90 per hour, with an average of about $65 per hour,'' the ministry says.
Garden clubs can have annual membership fees for less than $20 (one group I belong to costs $5 a year) and members offer advice based on experience. Score one for the garden.
Goals are important. For gym users, this can be achieved by regular check-ins; for gardeners, it may be growing vegetables to keep down supermarket bills or flowers to cheer indoors and outside. Score the same for gym and garden.
Added up, the garden scored 9, the gym 8, so it's a close-run thing.
The Ministry of Health website gives pertinent advice to those considering joining a gym but one question is missing: will it be enjoyable? And that's where gardening wins almost every time.
