Tips and Tricks to Make Gardening Easier on Your Body

May 9, 2023

Gardening can be a fulfilling and rewarding hobby, but it can also take a toll on your body if you do not prepare for it. The repetitive motions of weeding and bending required can cause aches and pain to start to pop up this time of year in your back, neck, knees, and hands. However, with a few simple tips and tricks, you can make gardening easier on your body and enjoy this hobby without the pain and discomfort. In this article, we’ll explore some of the best practices to keep in mind when gardening.

1. Warm up and Stretch beforehand – Just like with any other physical activity, it’s important to warm up your muscles and stretch before you start gardening. Take a few minutes to do some gentle stretches and movements to loosen up your joints and get your blood flowing. This can help prevent injuries and reduce the risk of strains and sprains.
2. Use Ergonomic Tools – Ergonomic tools are designed to reduce the strain on your body while you’re gardening. Look for tools with padded handles, angled heads, and other features that make them easier to grip and use. For example, a kneeler can help take the pressure off of your knees while you’re weeding or planting, and a long-handled tool can reduce the amount of bending you need to do.
3. Take Frequent Breaks – Gardening can be a time-consuming activity, but it’s important to take frequent breaks to avoid overexerting yourself. Set a timer for every 20-30 minutes and take a short break to rest and stretch your muscles. This can help prevent fatigue and reduce the risk of injury.
4. Practice Good Posture – When you’re gardening, it’s easy to fall into a forward hunched position, which can put strain on your back and neck. Practice good posture by keeping your spine straight and your shoulders relaxed. If you need to bend down, try to do so from your hips rather than your back.
5. Use Raised Garden Beds – Raised garden beds are a great option if you have mobility issues or if you find it difficult to bend down. They can be built at a height that’s comfortable for you to work on, reducing the amount of bending and stooping you need to do. Additionally, raised beds can make it easier to control the soil quality and prevent weeds from growing.
6. Invest in Comfortable Footwear – When you’re gardening, it’s important to wear comfortable and supportive footwear. Look for shoes with good arch support and cushioning to reduce the impact on your feet and joints. Avoid flip-flops, sandals, or Crocs, as they don’t provide enough support and can increase your discomfort.
7. 9Use Proper Lifting Techniques – If you need to lift a heavy bag of soil or plants, use proper lifting techniques to avoid straining your back. Loosen your body up first with a few squat movements prior to lifting. Keep the load close to your body and avoid twisting your spine while carrying heavy loads – rather move your feet and pivot through your hips.

Gardening can be a great way to stay active and enjoy the outdoors, but it’s important to take care of your body while doing so. By following these tips and tricks, you can reduce the strain on your muscles and joints and make gardening a more enjoyable and comfortable experience. Happy gardening!