Do you prefer digging in the dirt to sweating on a treadmill? Well here’s some good news: Many of the common tasks you perform to keep your yard neat are also good exercise.

Moderate-intensity exercise is good for your heart. Health experts recommend 30 minutes of such activity on most days of the week. If you’re already active, adding 20 minutes of vigorous-intensity exercise three days a week may be even better for your heart.

These tasks use the same amount of energy as walking at a moderate pace:

• Raking and bagging leaves
• Digging or hoeing
• Weeding while standing and bending
• Trimming and hauling branches from shrubs or trees
• Mowing the lawn with a power mower

• Carrying heavy loads, such as sacks of compost
• Climbing and trimming trees
• Mowing the lawn with a push mower