Issue link: https://cp.revolio.com/i/1494451
Page 16 | Abby's Magazine | www.AbbysMag.com Abby Sayler, our founder, was a huge fan of being outdoors, enjoying nature, which she often sacrificed for years doing health consultations every day at our store in Carrollwood. Instinctively we know it's better for our health to be outside, breathing fresh air, in the sunshine and appreciating all that nature has to offer, while attempting to exercise. Amazingly, indoor gyms are still the method of choice for many pursuing exercise, fitness, and weight loss. Our volunteers talk about traipsing around our three acres doing a multitude of tasks… as being "a great workout"! Of course, with growing healthy organic food as the real prize, the collateral benefits of exercise and weight loss is seldom even discussed. About a year ago I noticed a volunteer at one of our many functions (not wearing her usual farm garb) and mentioned… "have you lost weight? something is different about you." She went on to describe how it wasn't necessarily part of her plan when joining but more so was a side benefit that she started noticing. The more engaged and intentional she was while getting involved in various projects, she could regulate her exertion and achieve an extraordinary "workout" being outdoors with other likeminded people. She lost 40lbs over the course of a year doing something that she loved doing! Recent research suggests: Gardening burns around 300 calories per hour, making it a great moderate-intensity exercise. If you want to get healthier and lose a few inches around your waistline, gardening and other types of yard work can help contribute to weight loss. Gardening is similar to other moderate to strenuous forms of exercise like walking and bicycling. Gardening works all the major muscle groups: legs, buttocks, arms, shoulders, neck, back and abdomen. Tasks that use these muscles build strength and burn calories." Trust your instincts! Get outside and exercise, after all if we are interested in the most natural, healthy way to fitness and/or weight loss outside is where you want to be! 2022 was a banner year at Abby's Farm with record numbers of volunteer families joining, field trips and Nature Labs. 2023 is shaping up to be another epic year and we are so thankful for the support of individuals and local businesses that support our mission in the community. If you are interested in joining us or simply donating to this important work in your community, please visit our website abbysfarm.org. ULTIMATE OUTDOOR FITNESS The Future of Farming Visit our site to learn, contribute and/or volunteer! Visit our site to learn, contribute and/or volunteer! Visit our site to learn, contribute and/or volunteer! Visit our site to learn, contribute and/or volunteer! abbysfarm.org abbysfarm.org abbysfarm.org abbysfarm.org abbysfarm.org abbysfarm.org