Avoiding Injuries While Working in the Yard This Summer

Summer is just around the corner, and while it hasn’t officially made its arrival, the weather is screaming that it’s time to start working on the yard. Each year it seems as though the list of tasks to get done in the yard has only gotten longer. If you’re getting ready to start building the yard of your dreams, then you’re in for sore muscles and long days.

While yard work may seem like a harmless way to spend your weekends, it’s one of the leading causes of strained backs and pulled muscles in the summer season. The team at Revelation Chiropractic wants to share a few ways that you can avoid any injuries while improving the overall look of your yard, check them out!

Warm Up a Little

Temperatures are hot enough in Fort Collins this year, but warming up is a crucial part of avoiding any injuries this summer. As silly as it may sound, doing a few stretches before you start working in the yard can drastically minimize the chances of you experiencing any injuries.

If you are planning on doing any more than 30 minutes worth of work, then you should be loosening your limbs and warming those muscles up for any heavy lifting or reaching that is to follow. Anything from light squats to crossbody stretches will be beneficial at the end of the time you spend outside.

Take Breaks

Gardening is one of the outdoor tasks that pushes your body. While it is a very relaxing pastime

for many, the position that your body is in while gardening can lead to a strained back or some severe back pains. If you’re taking breaks every once in a while when working out in your yard, you’re much less likely to experience any of these issues.

The rule of thumb that you should follow is to take a break every 30 minutes. This goes for gardening, mowing, weeding, and any heavy lifting that you might be doing. Sure, it might make the process of working on your yard last a little bit longer, but your back will be thanking you for the breaks that you do take.

Aside from taking breaks throughout the day that you’re working, make sure to space out the days that you’re working on big projects, too. Having a day or two in between will help give your back and muscles the break that they need to continue the hard labor that yard work requires.

Know Your Limits

Are you adding some new trees to the scenery? Maybe adding on a deck to your beautiful home? Both of these tasks are common for yard work, but they’re also very hard on your body. If you’re planning on taking on any of these projects, make sure that you recognize your limits and that you have the proper equipment to get the job done.

Carrying the equipment that these projects call for is what often leads to strained backs. If you feel that the supplies that you’re carrying are too heavy for you, then ask for help or make use of equipment that can get the job done without putting your body in harm’s way.

Schedule Your Alignment

Without a doubt, one of the best things that you can do to prioritize your health this summer is to make sure that you schedule routine alignments. If you are someone that loves spending time outside gardening or working in the yard, this is especially important for you. More than 3 hours a day spent doing these activities can have a severe toll on your back.

While these little activities seem harmless enough, they have an almost immediate effect on your spine. You’ll start to notice slowly as you stand up, stretch, and hunch back over. Following the tips that we provided above is a great way to minimize the long-term effects of being in these positions, but nothing will compare to the relief of an alignment.

If you’re already feeling the pain of this summer’s yard work, call Revelation Chiropractic and schedule your routine adjustments today. We’re happy to be the chiropractic team to help make your summer days enjoyable.

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