With the sun beginning to shine and the days getting longer and warmer many of us are starting to think about tidying up our gardens. Here's some tips on looking after your body whilst looking after your garden.
Before you begin
It's best to warm your body up before you start, simple stretching exercises will help to warm your body up, also a gentle walk to get everything moving and blood pumping will set you up well to begin.
Weeding
Bending forward to weed is not the best position for your spine to be weeding, we generally move from one side of our bodies meaning that side is working harder than the opposite side. Try using a kneeling stool to protect your knee joints and make sure that you lean forward with a straight spine. Alternatively, try sitting on something like a low stool or sturdy bucket. Always making sure that you keep a straight spine.
Rest
Like all activities make sure that you take regular rests, if you are competing the same task for a period of time limit yourself to 30 minutes then take a break and come back to it.
Lifting
If you need to lift anything from the floor, make sure that it is not too heavy for you, if it is ask someone else to help. When lifting make sure that you bend your knees and lift from your hips, not by your back as this can cause strain to your back.
Water
As well as watering your plants make sure that you keep yourself hydrated. Plenty of water while you work will keep you hydrated.
Enjoy your garden, but make sure that you look after yourself.
For any further advise please do not hesitate to contact me.