Gardening Pain Gone!
By Brandi Goodman
Getting out in the garden and tending to your plants can provide significant stress relief and numerous health benefits. However, you need to be sure your gardening skills are up to par and you're using the right tools. Failing to do so can leave you extremely sore and fatigued quickly. The common pains of gardening can be gone when you utilize the following tips.
Stretch Before You Start
You need to stretch out your body before any physical activities -- and that includes gardening. Never begin your work without first stretching out your arms, legs, and back well. You want to be sure your joints are flexible and able to handle the activity you're about to do.
Use a Kneeler
Garden kneelers have become quite popular because they help you avoid pain. You can carefully kneel down onto the cushioning instead of digging your knees into a hard ground. You'll be far less likely to develop aches with a kneeler or garden seat in your arsenal.
Don't Forget the Wheelbarrow
Wheelbarrows are used for a reason. They help you transport heavy items and large bags filled with soil and such. You should never attempt to transport these things by hand. They're far too heavy and can quickly put you out of commission. Use a wheelbarrow or garden cart for any transportation of supplies from one end of the yard to the other.
Don't Do It All in One Day
You can't expect to get all your gardening work done in just one day. Sure, it may be possible, but that means you'll be spending the entire day outdoors engaging in physical activity. You will undoubtedly end up incredibly sore and hurting far before the end of it. Take breaks and pace yourself -- allowing the project to get completed over the course of several days or even weeks. One step at a time is all you need to focus on.
Get Help
If you do need a gardening project completed quickly, don't do it alone. You should get help so there are at least two of you to handle the work. It will make the process go faster and help you avoid hurting yourself trying to do it all alone. Invite a friend or family member to assist you or even hire someone if need be.
Gardening pain doesn't have to be the norm. Keep these tips in mind and you can prevent the discomfort that can sometimes come with this outdoor activity. Gardening is great for your mental well-being, so just do it carefully so your body will feel great as well.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in American Fork, Utah.