Ensuring a Pain-Free Gardening Season

Spring is finally here!

And with it comes the urge to get outside, clean up the yard, and start this year’s garden. It’s good for you: fresh air and vitamin D and exercise! However, gardening season can also bring an increased risk of injury, particularly around the back, knees, wrists, and elbows due to overuse. 

Staying active throughout the year, even when it’s cold outside, can help your body be ready for gardening season. But you should still treat it like you would any new exercise regimen: Start slow, always use good form, and know your limits.

Start Slow

It may be tempting to jump right in and spend the whole day working in the yard or garden. But you will feel better (and reduce your risk of injury!) by starting with just an hour or two here and there, and gradually increase to more. 

Always Use Good Form

Working outside is not a controlled environment like working out in a gym, which makes it even more important to pay attention to how you do things. Always use proper core organization/bracing when lifting heavy objects (like those bags of mulch), and prioritize good posture when you are doing repetitive tasks such as weeding etc. 

Know Your Limits

It’s better to take longer or postpone a task until you have help, than to attempt something your body is not ready for. Work smarter, not harder. If you don’t regularly pick up things weighing at least 40lbs, then your body is probably not ready to pick up that 50lb bag of mulch without help. Wait until you have a partner to help split the load, or open the bags and use a bucket to take smaller loads to where you need them. Plus, then you would get extra steps too! 

Also pay attention to any messages your body may be sending you: Starting to feel achy — change position or take a break; Feeling thirsty — go drink some water and get some electrolytes because you may already be dehydrated; Feel a twinge when you go to pick something up — put it back down and take a break. 

Hopefully these tips will help you enjoy a pain-free gardening season. If you’re ready to take the extra step to make sure your body is ready for whatever life throws your way, we can help Plan Your Strength. 

Here’s to a bountiful garden, with many beautiful days spent outside!