Protect Your Back This Gardening Season

Here are a few simple ways to protect your spine while working in the yard:

• Warm up before you start — even a short walk or a few stretches can help prepare your muscles and joints.

• Avoid repeated bending from your low back. Try kneeling, using a small stool, or changing positions often.

• Lift properly by bending through your knees and hips while keeping heavy items close to your body.

• Wear supportive shoes and stay hydrated while working outside.

Remember: movement is healthy, but repetitive stress without recovery is often what leads to pain and injury.

We’ve also included several helpful stretches that target the hamstrings, hip flexors, neck, and calves to help keep your body moving comfortably throughout gardening season.

Be sure to watch the video for visual demonstrations and proper form guidance for each stretch:

• Hamstring Stretch

• Kneeling Hip Flexor Stretch

• Trapezius Stretch

• Standing Calf Stretch

A proper visual guide can help you perform these stretches safely and effectively.

Happy gardening and stay healthy!