Growing Pains!
The days are getting sunnier and warmer, so it's this time of year when I always see an influx of injuries from gardening.
We all rush out to get those jobs done before the sun disappears, we haven't done any of this kind of exercise in a while, and for some reason we don't think of housework, gardening and DIY as exercise. Often we don't give it the attention, perpetration and respect that we should and perhaps we would if we were jumping back into an exercise class for the first time in six months.
So to help you all to stay injury free I have prepared some tips for working in the garden:
Don't wear clothes that are too tight & could restrict your movement
Like any other form of exercise warm up & cool down; don't go straight for the heavy tasks, start with the lighter things to reduce the chance of muscular strains
When you're done in the garden take a hot bath (preferably with epsom salts sprinkled in) or a hot shower to ease any muscle tightness. If you are feeling any complaining areas, use an ice pack wrapped in a tea towel for 10-15 mins to reduce the inflammation that comes with a fresh injury
Get as close as possible to the area you're working on, don't over reach
Think about investing in long handled secateurs or a garden trolley to reduce strains
If laying slabs or moving heavy objects keep them close to your body, bend you knees, hinge at the hips, don't slump/bend your spine forward. Use two people on heavier items
Take regular breaks and vary activities, don't spend more than 20-30mins on one task
Buy the smaller bags, they are lighter and easier to move, or transfer the contents to smaller bags or a wheelbarrow from the boot of your car
If you do injure yourself get it checked out by your Chiropractor, GP or at your local hospital.
Happy gardening everyone stay healthy!
