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GARDENER'S
READING ROOM
More Gardening Topics
Pull
Your Weeds, Not Your Back
As
springtime approaches, weather warms up, and leaves turn green,
many
people will spend more time outside planting bulbs, mowing
the lawn, and pulling weeds. Gardening
can provide a great workout, but with all the bending, twisting,
reaching, and pulling, your body may not be ready for exercise
of the garden variety.
Gardening
can be enjoyable, but it is important to stretch your muscles
before reaching for your garden tools. The back, upper legs,
shoulders, and wrists are all major muscle groups affected
when using your green thumb.
A
warm-up and cool-down period is as important in gardening
as it is for any other physical activity. Performing simple
stretches during these periods will help to alleviate injuries,
pain, and stiffness.
Be
aware of your body technique, body form and correct posture
while gardening. Kneel, don’t bend, alternating your
stance and movements as often as possible to keep the muscles
and body balanced.
By
Charlie Shull, W. C. N.
Skylights Spring 2004, Vol 18, No. 2
Other
articles on gardening
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