Taking care of yourself while doing yard work.

As we transition into fall following the unofficial end of summer, we may find ourselves cleaning up outside to prep for the cooler months.

With this hard work, risk for muscle strain or injury is higher.

Here are some tips to help keep you in good working order:

Don’t move too much at one time: lift only what you are comfortable carrying, and make more trips – good for the cardio this way too!
Bend at the knees, and use the strength of your legs for power when lifting heavy bags of mulch or soil.
Try to bend your elbows and recruit strength from your arms to avoid strain through the upper back and shoulders.
Don’t get stuck doing one repetitive motion for too long: It’s easy to get caught raking or digging in the same twisted motion for a long period—change it up with other tasks to avoid stiffness.
Plan some time to take care of your body at the end of a long day: take a few minutes to stretch, or relax in a hot bath.
Stay hydrated.
Protect yourself from the sun.

Bowmanville, ON Registered Massage Therapist
@rmtalisonsimic on Facebook and Instagram

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