By Alison Ford
There’s something about a sunny Saturday morning that makes us think we’re 25 again.
We grab the shovel load up the trailer with two tonnes of mulch and head into the garden determined to transform the place in one day.
Unfortunately, our muscles often have other ideas.
Many of us spend Monday to Friday sitting behind a desk, driving a tractor or watching the footy before launching into an eight-hour gardening marathon on the weekend.
It’s little wonder physiotherapists see a surge in sore backs strained shoulders and pulled muscles after busy weekends.
Before tackling that mountain of mulch spend just five minutes warming up.
A brisk walk around the yard followed by some gentle stretching can make a huge difference.
Pay particular attention to your calves, hamstrings, quadriceps and hip flexors as these muscles work hard when lifting and squatting.
Stretch your lower back by gently bending forwards and backwards.
Roll your shoulders and stretch your chest muscles before lifting.
Finally loosen your wrists and forearms because your shovel and wheelbarrow are about to give them a serious workout.
When spreading mulch bend your knees keep the load close to your body and avoid twisting while lifting. It’s far better to take more smaller loads than to impress the neighbours with one heroic effort.
Remember, your garden doesn’t care whether the mulch is spread today or tomorrow but your back certainly does.
Warm up first. Stretch often. Pace yourself.
Your body will thank you and you’ll still be able to get out of bed on Monday morning.
