Tips for avoiding gardening aches on a prime weekend for planting
Posted May 19, 2013 07:25:49 AM.
This article is more than 5 years old.
The Victoria Day weekend is often the traditional start of planting and gardening for many people here in Canada.
As things begin to warm up, many people take out their tools and start digging, trimming and planting, all of which can be hard work.
Before going for a run or hitting the gym you likely stretch and warm up, but how about before starting gardening?
Dr. Stacy Irvine, a chiropractor at Totum Life Science, says it’s important to do that, and also to break up your work.
“Try to spend approximately fifteen minutes doing each task, which means that you’re going to be changing your body position while gardening,” Irvine said. “People get in trouble when they stay in one position for too long.”
Improper techniques can lead to back injuries as well as repetitive strain injuries to joints and muscles.
Beyond warming up and alternating tasks, it’s also important to lift right – bending your knees and keeping a straight back – as well as kneeling to plant.
