Well…spring has sprung! It’s that time of year when we want to get outside and work in our garden.
Gardening is very, very good for us as long as we follow a few basic rules.
1. Start slowly. If you are going to be doing some hoeing in the garden, start at 10 minutes at a time, then 15, 20, 30 and so on. Don’t go out and hoe for 3 hours the first day. It’s just asking to be sore or injured.
2. Pull those tummy muscles in tight and support your core, and especially your spine!
Do this every time you lift or push.
3. Breathe when you are lifting or pushing! Don’t risk a stroke, especially in hot weather when you are feeling hot, tired and dehydrated! Your breathing should be relaxed, open and free.
4. When bending to lift or work with something always bend at the hips, not the waist. The easiest way to remember this is to stick your “Butt” out! It’s how we were designed to bend. Bending at the waist puts too much force on the lumbar area of the spine.
And most importantly…. stay focused on the task at hand! Be alert and present with your work so you can remember to Breathe, Pull Your Tummy In and Bend at the Hips.
I wish you all a happy and pain free spring and summer!
(c) James P. Bell, SafeStrength® Master Trainer
photo credit: Pictoscribe via photopin cc
