It’s only the beginning of the year but New Englanders are starting to feel the bitterness of the blizzards arriving one after another. Sure, it’s pretty at first but who are we kidding? Snow removal is a tough and strenuous business when you’re talking about 24 inches + surrounding the inner and outer areas of Boston. Plows and snow blowers are a bonus but the reality of it is, we are all out there in the chilly outdoors shoveling our walkways and driveways in order to make sure that our lives go on as usual. Although there might be an occasional delay or school cancellation, in general New Englanders are preprogrammed to understand that life must go on. Even the brutality of Juno didn’t slow us down for long and that’s a great thing because undoubtedly, there is more coming!
If you’re like me, you might still be achy from hoisting mounds of snow from the last one but recently I’ve learned a few tips on how to shovel after even the wettest and heaviest storms. By following a few recommendations, we can get the job done without breaking our backs, necks and arms and actually receive a safe and healthy workout in the process. We don’t have to feel as if we need to be hospitalized after an hour’s work of winter clean up when statistically speaking, 87% of us are doing it incorrectly and more importantly, dangerously. There is a better way to engage in these movements of lifting if we take a minute to review these ideas to assist in our safety.
When we first see the piles growing outside of our windows, we get a little anxious and overwhelmed, causing a rushed reaction of bounding outside to attack the situation. Seldom do we calmly pre-think a plan, which would allow us to strategically move the unwanted precipitation without using unnecessary energy. Take a couple of minutes to thoroughly analyze the layout and then decide how to go about it. This will save you time and the frustration of re-shoveling sections over and over again. You’ll get the job done quicker and have more time to relax in front of the roaring fire.
Another tip is to always bend at the knees when kneeling or lowering to the ground to plunge the snow. Sudden jerks can cause fractions within the legs and hips and cause permanent damage. Slow and steady wins this race and you’ll also be pleasantly surprised in the amazing toning your quads will receive!
If your shoulders are the problem, try to cross the shovel across your body instead of throwing the snow over your head. Many times you’re just putting the snow back into the path behind you so this way, your arms will firm up the right way and you will be able to accomplish the blizzard’s aftermath in a cleaner and more efficient manner. Be sure to dress warmly with layers and hang in there-spring is on its way!