Winter storms bring more than scenic snowfall—they also deliver the dreaded task of shoveling. After New England was hit with a storm that dropped anywhere from six to twelve inches of snow, Sweet New Earth decided to put a common winter question to the test: Is shoveling a good workout?
The company enlisted one of its younger writers, Jay, to shovel a driveway covered in four to six inches of snow and report on his experience. What he discovered was surprising—shoveling snow is far more demanding than most people expect.
Jay set a personal challenge to finish shoveling in under 30 minutes, but what happened next caught him off guard. “I accidentally got most of the driveway done in about six minutes,” he said. Instead of pacing himself, he pushed forward intensely, eager to see how much he could accomplish quickly.
While he managed to move large amounts of snow quickly, the effort was exhausting. He had chosen to use a four-foot-wide shovel instead of the standard two-foot model, which drastically increased the task's difficulty.
For those unfamiliar with snow removal mechanics, the shovel's width makes a significant difference. A narrower shovel requires more scooping but carries a lighter load. In contrast, a wider shovel pushes snow like a plow, meaning the person wielding it has to exert more force with each motion. "Instead of shoveling, you are plowing," Jay explained. "Only thing is, you’re not a diesel truck with four wheels and a big engine—you’re a human being with legs." The heavier the snowfall, the more resistance the snow creates, making the process even harder.
Jay tracked his exertion levels using a wrist-based fitness monitor to measure the physical demands of shoveling better. The results showed that the activity pushed him into the "high strain, overreaching" category—more intense than his regular cardio and weightlifting workouts. While some people view shoveling as a simple winter necessity, it can be a full-body workout that tests endurance, strength, and cardiovascular fitness.
Health professionals have long warned about the risks associated with shoveling, especially for individuals not accustomed to intense physical activity. Studies suggest that the combination of cold weather and heavy exertion can increase the risk of heart strain, particularly in older adults or those with underlying health conditions.
However, shoveling can serve as a practical winter workout for those who are physically fit and take the necessary precautions. The repetitive lifting, twisting, and pushing engage the core, legs, and arms, making it a demanding but productive form of exercise.
Despite the fitness benefits, Jay concluded he would instead stick to the gym for his workouts. “Next time, I’ll go back to using the snow blower,” he said. His experience aligns with what many homeowners have already discovered—while shoveling might be effective exercise, it’s not always the most enjoyable way to break a sweat.
For more information about Sweet New Earth, visit their website at https://sweetnewearth.com.
About Sweet New Earth
Sweet New Earth is a digital marketing company specializing in creative content, brand strategy, and online engagement. The company transforms experiences into shareable stories, making digital marketing both relatable and effective.
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Media Contact
Sweet New Earth
https://www.sweetnewearth.com/
newsroom: news.38digitalmarket.com
Source: 38 Digital Market News
Release ID: 1306899
