Staying in Shape for Gardening
Warmer weather is upon us and with it comes the desire to get outside and
start working on the lawn and in the garden. After a sedentary winter, it
is imperative for all of us to warm up before we dig, plant, rake or prune.
A good stretch helps condition the muscles and energize your body.
The constant bending and twisting of gardening and yard work places high demands
on our bodies. We must condition our body before heading outside. Sore muscles
and spasms can be eliminated by doing the following:
- Stretching the upper and lower back, hamstrings and shoulders. Without complete range of motion or flexibility, the gardener will put abdominal stress on various body structures.
- Condition the body through cardiovascular exercise. Start walking, riding a bike, using a stair master and/or jogging to get into cardiovascular shape. You’ll be amazed to see how much better your body will respond after a day in the garden.
- Drink lots of water while working – our bodies are made up of mostly water. We need to replenish it well before we “get thirsty”.
- Watch your posture and get adjusted – be very aware of how you are working. Support your low back with your legs, rake leading with the right hand and then switch to the left. See a chiropractor to make sure there is no interference to your nervous system so your body can function at its most optimal level.