Everyone knows that doing volunteer service is a healthy activity for the mind, as well as the local community; however, many people do not think of volunteer service as a way to build core physical strength.
Anyone who has ever done a day of service with an organization like Habitat for Humanity will tell you differently. Depending on the activity, rebuilding houses or clearing debris takes an incredible amount of core strength and stamina. For a core training work out that will not only help your body, but also your community, a day of volunteer service is the way to go.
As a resident of New Orleans, Louisiana, I am no stranger to doing days of rebuilding and volunteer service. Hurricane Katrina left the city with limitless opportunities of rebuilding opportunities. As I have spent many Saturdays rebuilding houses with Habitat for Humanity, I can personally attest to the fact that lifting sheet rock or carrying out mold abatement absolutely helps tone your abs and tighten your core.
Also, moving brush or cleaning up debris helps build and strengthen arm muscles, but the up and down bending motion works core muscles and also glutes. New Orleans may offer more opportunities for volunteer service workouts than other cities, but other cities across the country also have a variety of service opportunities that can help build core muscles.
For example, in many northern states tree tapping is a popular volunteer activity in the wintertime. Tapping trees for nature centers or conservation organizations is usually done by volunteers, and definitely falls into the category of community service. Using arm muscles to tap a hole into the tree and then straining to get the bag in, works all of the muscles in the core, especially if out for the entire day.
Local markets and community gardens also always need help harvesting and maintaining their produce. Most gardens reward volunteers service with fresh fruits or vegetables; however, the bigger reward for community garden service is stronger and more toned arm and core muscles. Ever notice how most volunteer coordinators look fit and muscular? It is certainly because of all of the heavy lifting and difficult physical labor that goes into the service.
To find service opportunities in your area, a quick Internet search is sure to yield many results of programs that involve a physical aspect. Be sure to select programs that have a clear benefit for society and involve some sort of physical labor that aligns with the participant’s physical activity.
For example, if someone is an avid fitness buff, a harder service like rebuilding a house or moving heavy brush is in order. If someone is only used to light physical activity, an easier task like picking vegetables is a much healthier fit. No matter which way it is spun, doing volunteer service with a physical aspect is not only valuable for the community, but is also sure to tone core muscles.
