6 ways gardening can help you live longer and strengthen your muscles

Study highlights health benefits of outdoor activities

Not only will it make your lawn look pristine, raking away fallen leaves gets your muscles moving. Pictures: Alamy/PA

Good news for those of a green-fingered persuasion: new research reveals that an hour of gardening a week can have significant health benefits.

The British Journal of Sports Medicine study found that taking part in muscle-strengthening activities – such as lifting weights, resistance training, or gardening activities including digging and shovelling – for 30 to 60 minutes each week, has been linked to a reduced risk of premature death and some major diseases.