Preparing Ourselves for the Gardening Season

With gardening season around the corner, I thought it would be important to talk about how we can prepare our bodies for the gardening season so that it is more enjoyable and less of a pain (literally).

I know that we should be exercising everyday, but sometimes we just don't do what we know we should do. Winter is tough...I have a hard time getting motivated to exercise, and since I don't belong to a gym, many times my cardio workout depends on the weather outside since I like to walk. But what we sometimes forget is that stretching is very important to the gardener...actually it's important to us all, but I think for anyone that does any kind of physical labor, stretching is essential.

I found a great little website that outlines all the exercises needed to get ready for the gardening season. Here is the link. Yoga and Pilates would also be great to do. If you can incorporate these stretches into your daily routine or at least before any strenuous gardening activity, you will be far ahead of the game. Also, don't forget to do a few stretches at the end of the day as well. It's always important to cool down after any strenuous activity. Just 10 minutes a day can really save you from days or weeks of unnecessary pain due to injury.

As always, check with a doctor to see if these exercises are safe for your body to do. We are not as young as we used to be and there is no need to take chances and possibly cause unnecessary injuries to ourselves. Gardening is supposed to be fun and not cause us pain.

Some other things to remember as the gardening season approaches:

1. Stay hydrated. Drink at least 8 glasses of water a day, more if you are perspiring heavily or if it is very hot outside.
2. Avoid holding your breath through any kind of exercise or activity. Your muscles and body need oxygen to work properly and effectively.
3. Avoid sudden movements that could cause strain on your muscles or joints.
4. Use the proper gardening tools to help you get the job done.
5. Do not stay in the same position for too long. Get up, stretch and move around, or more on to a new activity and come back to that one later.
6. Use knee pads or a kneeling pad whenever possible if you need to be on your knees for more than a few seconds.
7. Wear sunscreen and gloves to protect your skin and hands. A wide brimmed hat is also a great idea.
8. Pace yourself.
9. Bend and lift with your knees, not with your back.
10. If it hurts, stop doing it.