Gardening is a great summer hobby to adopt. Enjoy fresh flowers all summer long and even grow your own food! There’s nothing more satisfying than enjoying a meal that comes from the fruits of your own labor. You might notice that you’re a little sore when you finish gardening for the night. That’s because you may be practicing some unhealthy habits. To keep your posture intact and your back from hurting while you plant those gorgeous flowers, follow these tips.
Stretch
It’s beneficial to stretch before, during, and after gardening. Warm up your body before you get started and take regular breaks to stand up, stretch, and remove any tension from your spine. If you’re feeling sore when you’re done with your gardening session, taking some time to stretch again is a great idea, especially if you suffer from back pain.
Bend Your Knees
Lifting in the garden is a good way to hurt your back if you don’t do it the proper way. Be sure to bend your knees when you’re lifting, keep your back straight, and squat to reach items on the ground. Keep items close to your body when you lift them. Holding items out far away from your body can cause unnecessary strain.
Bend at the Hips
When you have to bend and reach for something, don’t round your back or overextend your arms. Bend at the waist/hinge your hips. If you have to do something on the ground, it’s better to squat or kneel than bend your back the whole time you work.
Equalize Loads
If you have a heavy pail of water in one arm, you should carry something in the other arm as well to even things out and maintain good posture.
Avoid Repetitive Motions
Repetitive motions can take a toll on your body, irritating tendons or nerves. Switch tasks every 15 minutes or so to be sure that you aren’t digging for hours, pulling weeds for hours, or pruning for hours.
Wear Knee Pads
Kneeling and squatting on your knees for so long can take a toll. Considering wearing knee pads to lessen the strain.
Remember to wear sunscreen and stay hydrated while you garden! The bees will love you for the beautiful flowers and vegetables you’re planting, and your body will be happy with you too if you follow these healthy habits.
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