One way to prepare your spine and find "the line" easily is to do the cat-cow yoga stretch. It will take you through arching and rounding your spine, warming it up and helping you to become more aware of the position of your back.
Technique for Lifting Heavy Objects
By Anne Asher, About.com Guide
Updated October 17, 2007
About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by our Medical Review Board
Hint for Safe Lifting: Keep a Long Spine
Safe Lifting Techniques - Keeping your spine long helps you access the powerful pelvic muscles.
(c) Anne Asher 2007
A trick for making sure you're lifting objects safely: Keep a long spine. Think about a line that goes from your head through your spine all the way down to your coccyx bone. Your body should stay in that position when lifting.
Prev
- Get Close to the Object
- Take a Wide Stance
- Find Your Best Foot Position
- Bend from Your Hips and Knees.
- Hint for Safe Lifting: Keep a Long Spine
- Safe Lifting Hint: Keep Your Arms Close in to Your Body
- Safe Lifting Hint: Keep Your Knees in Line with Your Toes When You Bend
Injuries to Avoid - Use Safe Lifting Techniques
Safe Lifting Techniques - How and Why to Prepare Your Back
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