This time of year can be lots of fun with all the winter sports available in Massachusetts. Clearing your way to your car to enjoy those activities might be quite perilous. Hopefully, we can give you some pointers that can make you task less dangerous.
The efficiency for shoveling snow like any task depends on some key factors. First the choice of you tools. Picking the correct shovel might seem tricky. The size of the shovel like any tool will depend on the size of the laborer. But generally speaking a smaller , lighter shovel should be the best choice for all. After all the weight of the shovel will add to the overall weight of the snow you will be lifting. A small blade plastic shovel should prove to be optimal. The new curved handle which is also adjustable is as well beneficial as it allows for lengthening or shortening the "lever action" that is being employed to move the snow more easily. (see photo)
The next element in the shoveling process is you. You must approach shoveling as it were a sport. It is not wise to get up from bed throw on your clothes and walk out to move tons of snow. A good idea is to wait a while to be fully awake. Perform some stretching exercises to the muscles that will be used while shoveling. These should include back muscles, leg muscle, shoulder and arm muscles. Spend some extra time stretching the hamstring muscles on the backs of your legs, and performing some abdominal crunches. Some push ups should warm up the arms and shoulders effectively. (see photos)
It is always wise to lift in the proper manner, Make sure you are facing the load you wish to lift. Bend at the knees as squatting down keeping your back straight. Try to keep one hand closer to the shovel blade and the other further up the handle. Push down on the hand on the handle using the lower hand as a fulcrum. Avoid twisting your body when throwing the snow to the side. Alway turn your entire body by moving your feet to repostion yourself to throw the snow to the desired location. Never reach with your arms or your body to toss the snow, if you must walk to the desired area to drop the snow.
Make sure you have on the proper footwear. Slipping on the ice or snow while shoveling causes many accidents. If you have high blood pressure or other health issues do not shovel for extended periods of time, pace yourself.
Better yet buy a snowblower.