Bakker.com has put together eight top tips for gardeners to help prevent injuries when working in the garden.
1. Do a quick warm up
Always begin with a warm up. Take a brisk walk to get your heart pumping and blood flowing.
2. Impose a 10 minute limit
Don’t perform any job for more than 10 minutes. Alternate the hand or arm you’re using wherever possible
3. Listen to your body
Pay attention to what your body is telling you, slow down or take a break if you notice pain or breathlessness
4. Lift with your knees
Straighten your back, look ahead and lift using the power of your knees and legs. Never use your back!
5. Kneel on foam pads
Use a foam-padded kneeler to prevent knee pain and backache when planting, weeding or tending to low growing plants
6. Use long handled tools
Use long handled tools if you can, as this will reduce the amount you need to bend, reach or stretch
7. Do back exercises
Perform back exercises before and after gardening to mobilise and strengthen your spine
8. Don’t work after eating
Never start gardening immediately after eating: blood will be directed towards the digestive system rather than essential muscle groups
Find more tips, advice and articles like this at Amateur Gardening.
