As I prepare to go outside and shovel out my driveway and walks, I wanted to remind people why this is an activity that is responsible for many injured backs, shoulders, not to mention heart attacks. It doesn’t snow every day (thank goodness!), or even on a regular basis. It is sporadic. That means that your body has no way to “get used to it”. It can be traumatic.

The reasons for me writing about this are:

1. Don’t overdo. Take plenty of breaks. In wetter, heavier snow, take smaller shovel fulls so you don’t struggle throwing it off to the side. Alternate which side you’re shovelling from to avoid overusing one side.

2. This is a great reminder as to yet another reason to workout. You may feel fit enough to get by in your typical day to day life. What about those out of the ordinary situations, like shovelling, changing a tire, raking leaves, other yard work, etc. Being physically prepared for those atypical activities and situations is important because life is full of them.

Don’t let your sense of being “fine” lull you into being complacent about your health and fitness level. Life’s stresses are not simple and even. Among many other reasons for working out, you need to be physically ready to handle those times that are more demanding.

Shovel with care, Mark