Preparing Your Body for Springtime Planting
By Donna Stark
Did you notice the new picture on your calendar when you flipped it over from March to April? Did it have an image of some spring flowers or pretty greenery on it? We have finally transitioned from the cold winter months to warmer days and once the ground totally thaws, many of us will head outdoors to clear the yard, prepare our gardens, and take a picture of our very own spring blossoms. But what often comes with those beautifully manicured lawns and overflowing vegetable patches is something that we don't look forward to, and if we are not careful, it may even keep us inside when we would prefer to be outdoors.
Springtime Pain
Your local chiropractors at The Joint Chiropractic want you to know that there is no better place to be right now than outside in your own backyard. The physical and mental health benefits you get from yard work and gardening can do your body and mind wonders, but they can also bring a fair amount of pain, especially if you are not conditioned for the level of physical activity needed. So, before you get out there to start all of your work, take a look at a few recommendations below.
- Stretch daily - Stretching can ease muscle stiffness, get your blood pumping, and reduce the risk of injuries
- Start walking regularly - Taking a 30-minute, moderately-paced walk every day is a great way to loosen up those leftover tight muscles and joints from winter
- Strengthen your core - Exercises that focus on strengthening your core muscles can help improve your balance and stability, and can reduce the risk of injury to your spine and surrounding muscles and joints
- Practice good lifting techniques - Bending at your knees and hips, keeping your spine in a neutral position, holding the object as close to your body as you can, and avoiding any unnatural twists or turns of the body can reduce the risk of injury to your spine and back muscles
- Get adjusted - Receiving routine chiropractic adjustments will keep your body in proper alignment which can help ease muscle tension, increase range of motion, improve flexibility, lessen asthma symptoms, and reduce the risk of muscle and joint injuries
Happy Gardening
You are going to be putting in a lot of work to beautify your yard and plant your garden so do what you can now to get your body ready! And if by chance you do feel pain while spreading that mulch or clearing the dirt, your chiropractors can get you back on the road to good health in no time! So come on in today and see what a difference chiropractic care can make!
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Gilbert, Ariz.