So firstly, just to be entirely clear these are not gardening tips in the gardening sense. They are gardening movement tips if you will... I'm staying firmly in my lane.
I know lots of you love gardening! I like it though I confess mine's been a bit neglected since getting Rosie Posie. I can't do much with her as she's rather too keen to help...
We’re getting to that time of year when a lot of us are spending more time in the garden and already I’m hearing of the occasional gardening related aches and pains. We all get these, me included. For some reason when we’re outside, all the things we know about paying attention to and managing our movements get forgotten.
Just a reminder for my gardeners that, as with any other activity, being in one position or doing a repetitive action for too long will likely make you sore later. Keep moving around, try not to kneel/sit on your feet for too long, and think about your back!
Most of us hurt ourselves day to day when we're doing 'normal' things and not thinking about how we move.
If you’re digging, think about your back, engage your abs so you’re using your core more and relax those shoulders. Keep moving your shoulders around in between and stretching out your spine if you’re rounding forward a lot. If you're lifting things, use those abs to help you manage the load and again think about how you position your spine.
Consider getting a kneeling pad if you know your knees complain a bit, or as one of my clients quite sensibly does - if you’ve got the space, just sit in the middle of the flower bed and work around you.
Take regular breaks! Like all things in life, moderation is key. If you’ve got lots of jobs to do, maybe mix them up a bit so you aren’t in one position for too long. Do something else for a bit and come back to it later.
Finally, enjoy! Spring is here and at last, after what feels like 17 years, it’s not winter any more! :)
