Benefit More From Gardening With These 5 Tips
By Brandi Goodman
Gardening Month in April comes at the perfect time. The spring season is the ideal planting time in many areas thanks to all the sunshine, warmer temperatures, and abundance of rain. In order to gain the most benefits from gardening though, there are some tips you should keep in mind.
Get Some Ergonomic Tools
The garden tools you use can hinder your performance if they don't fit in your hand comfortably. You'll find yourself hurting quickly without the right ones. Get some ergonomic tools that you can hold with ease and don't cause any pain no matter how long you use them.
Use a Kneeling Pad
Kneeling down onto a hard ground can cause some serious discomfort to your knees -- not to mention the rest of your lower body. Use a kneeling pad intended for outdoor use for some added comfort. Garden kneelers and seats are available for relatively low prices at your local gardening centers.
Stretch Before You Start
Gardening is as physical of an activity as any other. You should still be stretching out before you start so your joints and muscles are flexible and able to withstand the motions for longer intervals. Take a short walk to get your blood flowing and try some stretches for your arms in particular since they'll be doing the majority of the work.
Follow Proper Lifting Protocol
Lifting protocols are in place for a reason. Whether you're lifting a heavy box to move or a bag of garden soil, the same protocols exist. You should always bend down at the knees and use your legs to lift heavy objects. Don't put all the weight on your back and core, as this can quickly lead to pain and injury. You should also avoid twisting and reaching, instead keeping the soil, pots, or other garden materials close to your body. A wheelbarrow also comes in handy so you don't have to carry things far.
Take Frequent Breaks
As much as you may enjoy spending hours in your garden at once, doing so can lead to discomfort. You'll end up with some serious back pain if you stay hunched over the ground digging in the dirt. You need to take frequent breaks so your body gets the rest it deserves between actions. Besides, spreading out your garden chores over the course of several days or weeks helps you enjoy it for longer and get the stress relief you need at different times.
Gardening offers many great benefits for both your physical and mental well-being. To receive the most benefits, you'll want to keep these tips in mind so you can enjoy the activity without the pain that often comes with it. A pain-free gardening experience is possible with the help of the right tools and tips.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Richmond, Va.