8 Tips for Shoveling Snow
Things to Remember when You Shovel Snow
A little bit of sun on a driveway full of snow is very, very bright. Put on sunscreen and sunglasses before you go out to shovel. It doesn't take long for your eyes to fell adjusted to the snow's shine but it does strain your eyes and you can get sun burnt in the snow.
Pay attention to your heart rate.
Snow is heavy and your heart rate will rise quickly. Heart attack rates always spike after snow falls as people over exert themselves. Take frequent breaks and listen to your heart.
Shovel in intervals.
Interval training is a common training technique used by athletes to improve their speed and endurance. You work in short bursts of a minute or two and then rest or work at a very slow pace for two to five minutes. You should not push yourself during your work intervals because the very act of shoveling snow exerts enough of a burst but work a few minutes and then rest twice as long as your worked.
Lift from your legs not your back.
Shovel smart. Your legs are stronger and your back is more vulnerable. Bend your knees and keep a low center of gravity.
Drink water before you start.
It is important to have enough water in your system when you do any type of exercise and shoveling snow is exercise. Hydrate before you start to shovel snow. When you feel you need to use the restroom you have probably been shoveling long enough to need a break anyway. Drink something before and after you shovel snow.
Wear boots with traction.
If this seems like a no brainer thing to say then you have never been in the suburbs the morning after a snow. Shovel snow before you have to leave for work and don't try it sneakers or dress shoes.
Don't Block something else in.
When you shovel snow it has to go somewhere. You are moving it from one place to another and it doesn't disappear. Don't move the snow in front of the other car that you are going to want to get into later.
Don't get wet from sweat.
More accurately don't get hypothermia from your sweat. Shoveling snow causes most people to sweat and that makes your clothes wet. Dress in layers and take a few things off as you get your body moving and be sure to get inside and take off your wet socks promptly.
Published by April Bair
April Bair writes a little bit of everything. She considers herself a project oriented person and sees life and work as a series of new projects. Living an ex-patriot life in Heidelberg Germany as a child... View profile
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