How to prevent gardening injuries this spring

Summary: Spring is here, but don't rush out to the garden just yet! After a winter of resting, your muscles are out of practice. Jumping straight into heavy digging can easily hurt your lower back, legs, and shoulders.

To stay safe, warm up first with simple movements like the "Cat-Cow" stretch. If you plan to do a big landscaping project, take 6 to 8 weeks to slowly build up your strength before doing the heavy work. When lifting heavy bags of soil, keep the weight close to your body, bend your knees, and never twist your back.

Also, check your tools! A shovel handle should reach your hip so you don't have to bend over too much. Finally, take a break every 20 minutes to stretch your chest and back so you don't get too sore.

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