Shovelling Got You Down?

Photo by Filip Mroz on Unsplash

We wanted to share some tips on shovelling snow safely.

• Make sure you are dressed for the weather.

• Warm up before you head outside.  Try 10 minutes of walking around inside, marching on the spot, climbing stairs, or squats. Also include some gentle movement of your neck, spine, shoulders and legs.

• Start early, it is easier to shovel 2 inches of fresh snow than 6 inches of snow that has been sitting all day and has become dense and packed.

• Stay hydrated with water while shovelling and after you have finished.

• Push snow instead of lifting when you can.

• Keep feet hip width apart.

• Bend your knees and try to keep your back straight.

• Try not to twist your torso. If you do have to lift the snow move your feet and try and throw the snow straight as opposed to twisting. 

• Shovel small amounts of snow at a time.

• If you have a lot of snow, take a break, go in and have a warm cup of tea, and then start again.  

On a positive note, the average person burns 370-715 calories per hour when shovelling snow!