IN a recent survey of more than 1,600 people by Squire’s Garden Centres, 81 per cent said that they never stretch or warm-up before gardening. 

Squire’s employees have taken this to heart, and some now start the day with exercises using spades and forks to help with their stretching.

People are advised to make their gardening workout even better by having a five to 10-minute warm up and stretch first to help avoid aches and pains afterwards.

Sarah Squire, deputy chairman at Squire’s commented: “A massive 93 per cent of people we questioned in our survey said that gardening helps keep them fit and healthy, but as with any exercise it’s important to warm up first.

“Gardening is a great way to achieve a low impact workout, full of movement and stretching but without the strain on the joints of pounding the streets. Plus best of all it’s free!”