Q: a big snow just happened...and i wanted to know if shoveling ALOT is a good workout. Also what is it working out? thanks mike!

A: Actually, yes, shoveling snow is a GREAT whole-body workout! Prepare to be sore the following day :) You will be working out:

• Legs, especially if you bend your knees a bit and then straighten them out when lifting the full shovel.
• Core muscles -- lower back, abs, butt when bending at the waist and then straightening back out. Lower back will get the heaviest workout in exercises like shoveling or picking stuff up.
• Shoulders, especially front shoulders when lifting the full shovel.
• Biceps and forearms when holding and picking up the shovel.
• Chest and triceps and shoulders again when unloading the shovel (you can get a bit of an extra workout by forcefully throwing the snow to the side).

As you can see it's a tremendous workout for your whole body. Be careful not to hurt yourself, especially your lower back -- stretch well before, during, and after. Have fun :)