Last weekend our area got quite a bit of snow. Many of you may have had to shovel it. If asked, most people would consent that snow shoveling is exercise – you are breathing hard and getting your heart rate up, and using muscles to push, scoop and toss the snow. However, if snow shoveling is exercise, why don’t we treat it like that?
It took us 1 hour to dig out our driveway. The snow was wet and heavy. I was aware of using my core strength to rotate and toss the snow, grip strength to hold onto the shovel, legs to push and bend, and shoulders, chest and biceps to scoop.
If I were to go into the gym to do an hour-long cardiovascular workout involving my legs, core, chest, shoulders, back, etc., I would take time to warm up. I would take breaks as needed to catch my breath. I would drink water. I would work both sides of my body equally, I would make sure my lifting had proper form, and I would stretch and cool down. Did I do these things for snow shoveling last week? Actually, yes, but that’s because I learned the hard way what happens if you don’t.
If we realize that for snow shoveling, raking, using a push mower, gardening, and other chores that we are actually EXERCISING, we can prevent many common injuries. Otherwise we can get into trouble like a backache, pulled muscle, or something more serious like a heart attack.
Your Best Self trains and emphasizes functional movement patterns and cardiovascular fitness so we can prepare you for life. When you go to move your couch, pick up a box from your front porch, carry your groceries up the steps, or plant your flower-bulbs, you will have the ability to do it safely. Now just remember to treat your chores as exercise too – take care of yourself and apply ALL of what you learn in the gym to your daily activities:
- Warm-up
- Work within your abilities
- Use proper movement mechanics
- Take breaks
- Hydrate
- Stretch and cool down
Tricia Hovorka – NASM CPT, CES; ACE Certified Health Coach; PN2