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.

Check out this post at my Boot Camp website about Successful New Year
Fitness Resolutions at my RI Fitness Boot Camp

Till Next Time ….Make it Happen!!

This is a problem i am seeing more and more especially in the fitness and conditioning industry. Personal trainers all over the world are seeing $$$$$ signs in the youth fitness industry. Instead of being passionate about helping and guiding our youth to be healthier, they are greedy and only care about the financial side not the well being. Now i must say not all coaches and trainers are the same just like every other profession but because of the concern over obesity and health issues in children some coaches and trainers are taking advantage of parents who would do anything for there kids.

What to look for in a fitness professional before you send your child to them! (in no particular order)

1. Look for a reputable youth certification like the International Youth Conditioning Association (IYCA.org)

                   This organization strictly deals with youth not adults. Many of the other programs are watered down adult programs which will not cater to the developing child.

2.  Don’t be afraid to ask to watch a training session.

        Look for the way the coach interacts with the athletes

3. Ask for references from past parents

         ask for more than 1 everyone has a friend

4. Ask about training/coaching philosophy

          If your child is interested in just having fun it may not be a good fit to work with a coach that pushes athletes to become Olympic champions from day 1

5. What type of coach are they are they a yeller and a screamer or are they quiet

That is just a start for now just feel that you need to be tied down to the first person you meet they may not be the coach for your child.