The signs of spring have begun to pop up all over the place. For many people it is the time to do a thorough household spring clean. Although this annual ritual is a great way to invite spring into our homes, it also can carry potential health risks.
As you begin your spring cleaning bring awareness to how you are using your body for these activities. It is important to stretch before spring cleaning. A little stretching can go along way to prevent straining or pulling a muscle. Learning how to properly protect your lower back is one of the best things you can do for your body. 90% of adults experience lower back pain at one point in their lives. We often hear "I was just" as a precursor to an explanation of how somebody hurt themselves during household chores or everyday activities. Many people do not think of house cleaning as exercise but did you know that housecleaning can burn up to 200 calories an hour!
Here are a few key things to remember when spring cleaning:
As you begin your spring cleaning bring awareness to how you are using your body for these activities. It is important to stretch before spring cleaning. A little stretching can go along way to prevent straining or pulling a muscle. Learning how to properly protect your lower back is one of the best things you can do for your body. 90% of adults experience lower back pain at one point in their lives. We often hear "I was just" as a precursor to an explanation of how somebody hurt themselves during household chores or everyday activities. Many people do not think of house cleaning as exercise but did you know that housecleaning can burn up to 200 calories an hour!
Here are a few key things to remember when spring cleaning:
- Avoid the combination of bending and twisting as it puts you at a higher risk of back injury.
- Remember to always lift heavy loads with your legs and properly engage your glutes.
- Avoid prolonged deep squatting as it stresses vital tissue within the knee joint. Instead kneel on one knee being sure to alternate knees or it possible, sit.
- It's easy and tempting to take on more spring cleaning chores than your body can accommodate. So be sure to take breaks throughout.
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