23/04/2025
Tips for Gardening Without the Aches!
Now that we have had some sunshine, many of us are getting stuck into the garden â and I love seeing everyone enjoying the outdoors. But Iâve also noticed a definite spike in gardening-related back pain.
Here are my top tips to keep you pain-free while you dig, plant, prune and potter:
1. Warm up first: Just like any physical activity, gardening uses muscles that might not have been used in that way for a while. A quick walk, some shoulder rolls, and gentle stretching go a long way.
2. Donât stay in one position too long: Whether youâre weeding, digging, or planting â change activity every 20-30 minutes to avoid repetitive strain.
3. Kneel, donât bend: Use a kneeling pad or low stool instead of hunching over from the waist. Your back will thank you.
4. Lift with care: Use your legs, not your back, when moving heavy pots or bags of soil. And never twist while lifting!
5. Listen to your body: A little twinge? Itâs trying to tell you something. Take breaks, hydrate, and donât try to do the whole garden in one go.
If youâre already feeling sore after your gardening efforts, come see me, I can help ease the tension and get you moving freely again.