Wood Chopping: A Medieval Workout for Modern Strength

X: Why are your jackets completely drenched? Was it raining this morning while you were out?

Me: That’s sweat.

X: Utterly speechless.

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No gym regimen can rival the raw intensity of wood chopping. Two hours of relentless chopping can burn over 2,000 calories—equivalent to nearly seven hours of uninterrupted push-ups. Beyond the calorie burn, wood chopping enhances lung capacity and delivers comprehensive physical conditioning, with a particular focus on the hands, wrists, and forearms. It’s a primal full-body workout that demands both strength and endurance.

After a session of wood chopping, an icy-cold shower, and two hearty plates of osso bucco soup, I’m utterly exhausted. I’m convinced that the average villager from the mid-16th century could have overpowered any modern MMA professional. Few people today realize the sheer strength and energy required to fell an oak tree and then chop it into usable pieces. This is, without a doubt, my favorite form of exercise.

(This picture is courtesy of Pixabay.) 👇🏻