Shoveling Do It Right Part II

Read the first part here

4.)Point Your Toes In Same Direction of Shoveling

 

This is a continuation of tip two. Even when you split your stance, you can be susceptible to injury whenever you perform a rotating back extension (e.g. a shovel toss to your rear). So, to further bolster your body, be sure to always shovel snow in the direction that your toes point to minimize excessive spinal rotation that can literally wrench your back. If you need to throw the snow try and throw it forward!

 

5.) Shovel EQUALLY to BOTH Sides

 

This is a further continuation on the last two tips. Another big mistake people make is that they always shovel to their strong sides causing further strength and flexibility imbalances that can put your body at greater risk for injury. So, we now know you want to split your stance and shovel in the direction your toes are pointing, but you should also be sure do an equal amount of shovel tosses to your left AND right. Do 10 shovel tosses to your left with your left leg forward and then do 10 shovel tosses to your right with your right leg forward. Repeat until your driveway or sidewalk is crystal clear.

 

Bonus Tip

 

Just pay someone to shovel your driveway, unless you like to shovel like me (yeah I am a little crazy but I see it as another opportunity to be active!

 

The tips will go a long way in keeping your body as bulletproof as possible during the next blizzard. Really, it’s not cool to get hurt shoveling and It can be a sign of an even bigger problem: being overweight and/or highly de-conditioned. And if you do get hurt shoveling, be sure to lie when some asks why you’re in a wheelchair. Just tell them you got hit by a snow plow truck, it makes for a better story and your co-workers or friends won’t rip on you for the rest of your days.