Snow Shoveling Safety

         

 

Some places it snows more than others. Right now, the Boston area is experiencing a blizzard at the rate of 60 inches of snow in the past two weeks. We are all doing some form of snow removal and I thought I’d share with you some safety tips from the fitness professionals point of view.

1. The most important thing I can tell you is “take your time.” I mean really take your time. Don’t try and move a lot of snow fast. You will hurt yourself. I fill my shovel bend at the knees, stand tall, and then I toss the snow. Some people do the single action back bend to snow toss move, and that just kills the knees, back, arms, and neck. So please take your time, and avoid twisting your back and neck.
2. Keep up with the storm. Don’t be the person that says you’ll wait for the storm to stop. Trust me on this.
3. Push the snow, don’t lift the snow. At least minimize the lifting. Right now my snow drifts are over 6 feet tall, so I push the snow to another location and pile it there. It might take a little longer, but I’m not wincing with soreness the next day. (or worse)
4. Wear breathable layers. This is an activity that requires a little sweat, so please don’t bundle up so tight your skin can’t breath. You’ll never make it.
5. Invest in a good pair of snow boots. Because, duh.
6. Stay hydrated team. Snow removal is taxing. Keep water pumping, and good luck.