Snow Shoveling Calories Burned Calculator
Calculate calories burned during snow shoveling activities
Calculate Snow Shoveling Calories
Your current body weight
Select your shoveling effort level
Duration of your snow shoveling session
Snow Shoveling Results
Formula: Calories per minute = MET × weight (kg) × 3.5 ÷ 200
MET value: 6 (Shoveling by hand (moderate effort))
Your calculation: 6 × 70.0 kg × 3.5 ÷ 200 = 7.35 kcal/min
Activity Analysis
Example Calculation
Winter Workout Session
Person weight: 180 lbs (81.6 kg)
Activity: Hand shoveling (intensive)
MET value: 7.5
Duration: 60 minutes
Calculation
Calories/min = 7.5 × 81.6 × 3.5 ÷ 200
Calories/min = 10.71 kcal/min
Total calories = 642.6 kcal
Comparable to 1 hour of ice skating!
Winter Activity Comparison
Snow Shoveling Safety Tips
Choose the right shovel size for your height
Warm up with light exercises before starting
Lift with your legs, keep your back straight
Stay hydrated - drink water regularly
Take breaks every 15-20 minutes
Dress warmly and protect from frostbite
Understanding Snow Shoveling as Exercise
The Coolest Workout
Snow shoveling is far from being just a winter chore - it's a legitimate cardiovascular workout that can burn significant calories. This activity engages multiple muscle groups and provides excellent exercise benefits.
Muscle Groups Worked
- •Glutes and lumbar: Flexing legs and maintaining posture
- •Core muscles: Torso rotation and stability
- •Biceps: Lifting snow-loaded shovel
- •Triceps: Pushing and throwing snow
MET Calculation Method
Calories/min = MET × weight (kg) × 3.5 ÷ 200
- MET: Metabolic Equivalent of Task
- 3.5: ml oxygen per kg body weight per minute
- 200: Conversion factor for calories
Fun Fact: Intensive hand shoveling (7.5 MET) burns calories comparable to ice skating and is more intense than snowboarding!
Health and Environmental Benefits
Health Benefits
- • Cardiovascular exercise improving heart health
- • Full-body strength training workout
- • Endorphin release after 30 minutes of activity
- • Improved balance and coordination
- • Vitamin D from outdoor winter exposure
Environmental Benefits
- • Reduces reliance on road salt chemicals
- • Protects soil and water quality
- • Prevents salt damage to plants and trees
- • Preserves aquatic ecosystems
- • Sustainable snow removal method