10 Tips for Gardening & Yard Work Safety
Spring has finally arrived and many of us are preparing to enjoy our outdoor spaces. Here are some tips for gardening & yard work safety.
- Wear supportive shoes - Your feet are your foundation, and if your feet are happy, it is much more natural to have good posture and ergonomics
- If using equipment:
- keep it close to your body, avoid leaning or stretching out your arms
- switch sides/hands frequently, to keep your muscles balanced and sharing the load
- use ergonomic equipment - lighter versions or ones with a bend in the handle to encourage good posture and use
- use your body weight, not the strength of your arms or back
- when lifting the equipment, bend your knees and lift with your legs
- When gardening, stay close to your work - avoid leaning and reaching, you may need a knee pad to help maintain good posture
- Stretch throughout and when you are finished
- hamstrings - gentle toe touches, either while seated with legs stretched out in front of you, or while standing.
- low back muscles - lean to each side with arms overhead
- chest - open your arms wide with palms forward and reach back until you feel a light stretch
- All stretches should be held 7-15 seconds and performed on both sides!
Even when you do your best, you may end up with more aches and pains than you hope to work through on your own, a Chiropractor can help you on your way to a quick recovery.
Be Well!