Yard Clean-up Tips to Keep You Safe
4 Ways to Keep Safe During Fall Clean-Up
Autumn temperatures are behind us, and crisp, cooler air is here. Before you know it, those fallen leaves will be covered with a layer of white snow. Weekends filled with raking leaves and trimming back shrubs can leave us sore and achy. However, with help from your MCR Chiropractic team, you will have the tips and tools to keep moving strong until the next major shift in our New England weather.
Tips to Stay Safe
If not performed properly, the physical strain of raking, bagging, and dragging loads of leaves can cause a lot of unnecessary discomfort. Not to mention the strain on your knees and hamstrings from crouching and bending to put your flower beds to sleep for the winter.
Most of these activities require your muscles to move in different ways than your body may be used to. It can take only one mindless movement, or poorly positioned bend, to sideline you and put you in a race to beat the first snowfall.
Warm-up and Stretch
Before you begin raking and piling up those leaves, you should warm up and stretch. Start with a brisk lap around the perimeter of your property or walk around the neighborhood. Next, transition to getting all the tools from storage to the areas where you will be working. Just like that, your body is primed for action!
Perform Short Durations of Exercise
Although yard work feels more like a chore than a leisurely exercise, you quickly realize how strenuous it can be! Don’t tackle it all at once; perform 15-20 minute periods of activity with a few minutes between to give your body a break.
Work Smarter, Not Harder
While it can be tempting to pack the barrels all the way to the top, consider the risk associated with overloading your bins. Just like at the gym, heavier is not necessarily better, and it’s definitely not smarter! Be cautious of the loads you are lifting, pulling, and carrying.
Remember What Your Chiropractor Told You
When you do need to lift objects, remember what your chiropractor taught you:
- Position yourself close to the object you are lifting.
- Place your feet shoulder-width apart for a solid base of support.
- Bend at the knees, tighten your abdominals, and lift with your legs!
Ready, Set, Rake
Now that you have the tips, you are fully prepared to get to work. Remember, yard clean-up does not need to leave you feeling achy. If you happen to overdo it, just give our office a call. As your partner in well-being, we are here to help get you to be at your best, with a renewed understanding of maintaining your wellness into the months ahead.
At MCR Chiropractic, we are committed to empowering you to achieve a lifetime of health and wellness. Call your nearest MCR Chiropractic to schedule an appointment or complete the form below!
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