Love Your Garden, Love Your Back
As the days are getting longer and signs of Spring are everywhere, lots of us are keen to get out in the garden. As a nation we love our gardens. Gardening eases stress, provides exercise, gets us outside in the fresh air and gives a sense of accomplishment.
However, it's easy to get carried away in a fit of enthusiasm and overdo it! It's my job to remind you to look after your back as well as your garden. The weather is beautiful but please be careful, especially if you have been inactive over the winter.
Here are five things we suggest you consider:|
Warm up. Gardening is like any other activity. You need to warm up first. Get the blood flowing and the muscles warm with a brisk walk. We have a leaflet of exercises - pick one up from the clinic.
Keep your back and knees safe. Keep your back in a neutral position. Not sure how? Ask us in the clinic. Use a padded kneeler when weeding or digging. Get up and move instead of twisting.
Don't over do it. Limit yourself to 30-45 mins of activity initially. Take a break, have a cup of tea and then do something different.
Get help. Get help with heavy lifting or larger tasks. If your job is sedentary and your body is not used to physical work then start small and build up your fitness.
Grow some veggies You are more likely to eat the recommended amount of fruit and veg if you grow it yourself. Freshly picked veg is more nutritious and tastes great.
If you feel you've overdone it then our 4 chiropractors and 2 massage therapists are here to help.
We wish you all the very best for the year ahead and we're here to help you be all you can be. So don't let those pains and niggles stop you from having a memorable year!
All the best,
The team at Shaftesbury Chiropractic
