It’s well into March and you guys know what that means, tending to the garden.  (We’ll cross our fingers about frost.) If gardening is on your to do list this Spring keep in mind that clearing out weeds, planting seeds/bulbs, and hauling soil should not be painful or back breaking.

Here are some gardening stretches from the American Chiropractic Association:  

Before stretching for any activity, breathe in and out, slowly and rhythmically; do not bounce or jerk your body, and stretch as far and as comfortably as you can. Do not follow the “no pain, no gain” rule. Stretching should not be painful.  While sitting, stretch your leg out in front of you, knee straight, and prop your heel on a step. Then lean forward until you feel a stretch in the back of the thigh, or the hamstring muscle. Hold this position for 15 seconds. Do this once more and repeat with the other leg. Stand up, balance yourself, and grab the front of your ankle from behind. Pull your heel towards your buttocks and hold the position for 15 seconds. Do this again and repeat with the other leg. While standing, weave your fingers together above your head with the palms up. Lean to one side for 10 seconds, then to the other. Repeat this stretch three times. Do the “Hug your best friend” stretch. Wrap your arms around yourself and rotate to one side, stretching as far as you can comfortably go. Hold for 10 seconds and reverse. Repeat two or three times. Finally, be aware of your body technique, body form and correct posture while gardening. Kneel, don’t bend, and alternate your stance and movements as often as possible to keep the muscles and body balanced

As always with anything activity that is strenuous on your muscles: if you feel any discomfort afterward, use ice for 48 hours or you can use heat after the 48 hours.

Now get out there and get your hands dirty. 🙂