TIP: Get a great workout with active household chores like raking, splitting wood, carrying laundry up stairs.

Plan on burning wood this winter to heat all or part of your home?

Consider the secondary fitness benefits this switch to renewable wood fuel can bring into your life

• Sawing, splitting, and stacking wood burn calories faster than any other common household activity except for shoveling snow.

• As it burns calories, working up your winter wood helps build and maintain a strong "core" (abdominals, obliques and back muscles), as well as a stronger upper body.

• And nothing beats wood-splitting for stress relief!

There's a catch, though. (But you knew that.)
Unless you've already built enough strength, stamina, and flexibility, you can't just pick up a chainsaw or a splitting maul in July and expect to work up your winter wood as your daily exercise for the next few days or weeks (or for that matter plan to stack a load of cut-and-split firewood in your woodshed) without risking injury. (See flexibility and strength-training resources below.)

Look on the bright side.
The same stretching and muscle-building exercises that keep you fit for wood-splitting will also stand you in good stead for the onslaught of winter snow-shoveling.

Pace yourself
Help prevent overuse or repetitive strain injuries by alternating short bouts of splitting and stacking wood with other activities: Walk the dog; rake leaves, hang laundry.

For more information

• How much wood can a woodchuck chuck? Colorado outdoor columnist extolls the benefits of wood splitting.

• How to split wood The basics.

• Stretching and flexibility exercises Staying flexible keeps the body prepared for any exercise, including the exercise of daily living.

• Growing Stronger A detailed strength-training manual for beginners of any age (though targeted at older folks).

• Adapt your chores for functional fitness and avoid injury

• Heating with Wood From harvesting firewood to managing the ashes, online resources for wood-burning households.