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Shoveling Snow? Use Your Fitness Smarts
Posted on Nov 25th 2008 12:00PM by Maggie VinkFiled Under: Fitness
The snow is flying outside my window right now. It's beautiful, but I know I'm going to have quite a bit of shoveling to do soon. Though shoveling snow shouldn't replace your regular workout, it certainly does offer fitness benefits. Like any other physical activity, you need to be smart and careful when shoveling snow. - Warm up for a few minutes before heading outside to shovel snow. Walk in place for five to 10 minutes in your living room or climb up and down the stairs a few times.
- Stretch after your warm-up. Be sure to do some flexibility exercises that safely stretch your back, such as lying on your back and bringing your knees up to your chest. Also do some arm and leg stretches.
- Dress in layers so you can peel off your outer layers if you start to get overheated.
- Use proper equipment. Some snow shovels are designed for pushing light snow and others are designed for scooping and lifting heavier snow. Make sure you've got the right tool for the job.
- Use your legs. If the snow is too heavy to just push to the side, use your legs. Throw the snow in a forward motion -- don't twist and throw it over your shoulder or to the side.
