The workout hat can be obtained by digging holes with good old fashioned pick and shovel, I would place at the level of splitting wood. This is an incredible whole body workout that is about as intense as it gets. It utilizes the arms, legs, entire core region in a major way. If done with the right intensity, It can be both aerobic and anaerobic at the same time.
Now I’m not encouraging anyone to be like an army recruit and go and dig a hole just to fill it in again. As a matter of fact even digging a hole may not be required. Sometimes just handling a shovel to move a pile of loam can give you the same effect. Figure that a human machine, in good condition can move about one cubic yard per hour. If you utilize a wheel barrow, that is shovel from the pile into the barrow, and then move the load to another part of the yard…say for a vegetable garden, now you are getting a good shoulder and upper back workout too.
Remember the theory behind the work-workout is that some sort of productive, valuable spin-off must come about the general activity along with the fitness benefit. So, that being said, here are some other ideas that can put that shovel, pick and wheel barrow to good use…along with that muscle power!
Dig a hole to bury a tank or drum for a gray water collection system. Grey water is waste water that does not contain any sewerage. Examples of sources of gray water are washing machines, showers -even if you are one of many people who tend to pee in the shower, kitchen and bathroom sinks. What is great about this water is that the soap in it is generally very good for watering plants and grass. But, experiment or do research to find out what products to avoid. That is the value behind this system. It save resources, and makes double use of the water. First as potable, then as irrigation water.
You will also have to dig a trench to run the piping to the tank from the sources. If you really want to go all out, trench for a sprinkler system from the gray water storage tank.If it works out well maybe you can bury some more, and tie in a rainwater collection system from the gutter off the house in addition to the gray water.
If there are restraints on these types of systems in your area, then here is an alternate plan. Dig for a drywell. This is a system that will let your gray water be absorbed into the ground. This can take the load off your septic system somewhat, or even the waste treatment facility if you are connected to municipal sewerage systems. All a drywell is composed of, is a good sized hole, filled with stone. This facilitates the water being absorbed into the ground. Do some research, it’s not “rocket surgery”, but it is labor intensive…just what the physical trainer ordered.
Remember to use both sides of your body when shoveling. It may feel awkward, but with enough practice you will get ambidextrous. It’s always important to practice muscle balance, and to stretch before and after this kind of strenuous exercise. If our hands are not toughened up from this sort of work, be sure to wear gloves to prevent blisters.