Seeing Red In Your Yard?

I know, I know….September only just started. But already the leaves are falling.

And that means rakes and landscaping bags! It’s only a matter of time before we all start getting the end of summer to-do-list out of the way.

Here are a few tips to keep you feeling well as you keep your lawn clear of the leaves.

1) Stretch before you work. A quick and effective stretching routine, as presented by the Ontario Chiropractic Associations ‘Plant And Rake Without The Ache’ program, will help to keep you limber and prepared.

2) Heavy or light, when lifing use your legs (bend with the hips and knees) rather than your lower back (bending at the waist).

3) Always keep a load (bag of leaves, soil, etc) close to your centre of mass. This minimizes the strain your lower back and shoulders have to take. Also, keep the load above your feet and avoid twisting or turning when you set it down.

4) Alternate tasks and jobs. This way you are not doing the same repetitive work for prolonged periods and your body has an opporunity to recharge with ‘active recovery.’

5) When raking, switch sides periodically in order to ease the strain on your lower back and shoulders.

6) Most importantly, many hands make for light work. Working in teams or pairs makes a huge difference. Not only will the job get done faster, but you will enjoy your post-work cold beverage a whole lot more when the ice is in your iced-tea rather than your on your lower back.