The RA King - Mega Fitness Plan was devised to help busy people improve their level of fitness while accomplishing vital tasks.
RA King, or raking, is great exercise. Be sure you have a good rake. A good rake is defined as one that you like. It can be plastic, metal, bamboo, wide or narrow, short, have a metal pole or wood. As long as you like it, the rake is a good rake. In addition to the rake, you will need at least one transport mechanism. I have a big plastic trash barrel with wheels, and an old sheet. Other transport methods include bags (paper or plastic), wheelbarrows, shovels, trailers (small or large), or even those wicked big vacuums that cities use.
Proper attire is anything you want. It is usually recommended that you have pants, a shirt, and shoes. You may also want to use gloves. Warm clothing is recommended for cold days, although not required.
You also need a yard. It doesn’t have to be your own. If you know someone that needs help with their yard, help them. If there are community grounds, perhaps you can volunteer. If no suitable area is available, one must find a different fitness plan. A future post will describe Howes Werk - fitness through scrubbing.
The RA King - Mega Fitness Plan is as follows: go outdoors with the aforementioned stuff. Do whatever you want, until you’ve had enough. This will usually include picking up sticks that are too big to rake, raking, picking up leaves with your hands, pushing leaves around with the rake (this is different than raking, because you flip the rake over), dumping the barrel or sheet, kicking the leaves around if you choose to dump them and spread them, toting bags of leaves to the curb, and deciding what to do next.
Hydration is important. So are snacks. Water is best, but you may substitute (chocolate) milk, or beer. Soda should be avoided at all costs, it’s just not good for you. Although healthful snacks such as fruit are suggested, many rakers prefer cookies.
Potential side effects include ticks (check yourself after raking), dirt, pine pitch (use a small amount of peanut butter to clean it up), pine needles, leaves, and rocks in your shoes, hair and clothing, perspiration (this is actually considered a good thing), and the distinctive scent of outdoor fresh air.
If people walk by while you are raking, proper etiquette dictates at least a friendly smile or brief greeting. Chatting is strongly encouraged. It gives you a break and it’s nice.
Prior to undertaking this plan, be sure to seek you physician’s advice.