Get your garden gloves on—spring is here, and it’s time for pain-free yard work! Whether you’re planting petunias or pruning perennials, a few simple ergonomic tweaks can keep aches at bay: Get your garden gloves on—spring is here, and it’s time for pain-free yard work! Whether you’re planting petunias or pruning perennials, a few simple ergonomic tweaks can keep aches at bay:
Warm Up First: Start with gentle stretches—reach up high, lean side to side, and roll your shoulders to wake up muscles before you dig in.
Tool Tune-Up: Swap short handles for long-handled trowels and rakes to avoid bending and stooping. Lightweight, cushioned grips reduce hand strain when you’re weeding or digging.
Kneel With Ease: Use a garden knee pad or a low stool—this keeps hips and knees happy. Alternate kneeling with standing tasks every 10–15 minutes to give joints a rest.
Lift Smart: When moving bags of soil or pots, keep weight close to your body, bend at the hips (not the back), and use your legs to stand up—just like a mini squat.
Pace Yourself: Break big jobs into 15-minute intervals. Set a timer, then switch tasks—spread mulching on Monday, planting on Tuesday—to avoid overworking any one muscle group.
With these Physical & Occupational Therapy approved tips, you’ll be garden-ready and pain-free all season long. Happy planting!