Splitting Firewood For Exercise

I have two little boys, and like any little boy I’ve ever known, they love a fire.  They dance around the fire, yelping war cries, and otherwise conducting mystical ceremonies that are completely beyond the comprehension of Mom and Dad.  But they enjoy it, and there’s little better than watching little boys in the throes of their imagination.  Truth be told, Dad also gets a physical benefit, because there are few workouts in the gym that can match splitting firewood for exercise.

Why Is Splitting Firewood For Exercise So Good?

For most of us, fitting exercise into our daily lives is a struggle.  We have jobs, families, kids, homes, and everything else under the sun that stretches our attention, time, and resources.  So, one of the best ways to make use of our limited time for fitness is through both compound exercises, and dual use of our time.  In this case, I was splitting firewood to my kids to enjoy a bonfire, and perhaps roast marshmallows.  Compound exercises are movements that work multiple muscle groups simultaneously, and require us to balance multiple opposing forces.

Mark Sisson gives an example of this in his mace training workout, which is no doubt a highly effective workout.  Both splitting firewood for exercise and swinging a mace rely on the same principles.  Swinging a heavy, unbalanced object through a wide range of motion.  The combined pushing and pulling that goes with swing a wood maul works both the upper body and lower body.  Add in the concentration required to accurately strike the point of aim and control the maul after the strike and you’re looking at a tremendously effective total body workout.  If you don’t believe me, try swing a 12-lb. maul at seasoned hardwood for an hour.  Another suggestion is to get your kids to help.  Letting them stack wood will be a big treat to them, and get them in on the act as well.

Most estimates put splitting firewood for exercise at burning somewhere between 400-700 calories an hour.  This includes both splitting and stacking.  Naturally, the wood must be loaded, then unloaded and stacked neatly when you’re done.  If you don’t do it regularly, expect to be sore the next morning.  I woke up today feeling generally achy across my shoulders, back, arms and legs.  But overwhelmingly satisfied at having accomplished a task that would give my boys some enjoyment for several months to come.