
Before and after shoveling.
1. Bend to touch your toes. Stretches the hams/back of the leg.
2. Squats with back straight, with hands out in front.
3. Abdominal twists. Gentle twist without pain. Do both sides.
4. Side bending. Can be done seated. Put arm over head as if to do a cartwheel (but you're not going to go that far) and lean feeling the stretch on the side.
5. AND Just one more stretch that I have found has made all the difference for me and for G. Most important after any yard work and may be the best stretch to stop a potential lower back ache. Sit in a chair and bend to touch toes. Grab your ankles and pull yourself to go farther to stretch the lower back. Be gentle with yourself. Do not go beyond your limits. Hold this stretch and feel the relaxing of the muscles.
Tai Chi Snow Shovelling by Mike Pekor is a video that explains how to work safely doing this necessary activity. Pace yourself. Be mindful of your body actions. Keep your balance. Use your whole body. Use your legs to lift.
Be Healthy. Stay Healthy. Massage.
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