Positioning and Body Mechanics
After you have applied the work smart ethic to control your weeds, you will probably be pulling out the rest of them. Weeding and other gardening chores can quickly tire even strong backs. The use of good body mechanics can help you work efficiently, and get a lot done with minimal amount of muscular exertion. It also means keeping the strain out of your joints. One of the most common mistakes gardeners make when working in the garden is lifting from the back. In reality, the legs and pelvis are much stronger than the back, so if you can learn how to and remember to use them for the heavy work, you will protect your back from injury such as muscle strain or herniated disk.
Sitting and Standing While You Weed
Long bouts of weeding requires one or more comfortable positions. The positions you take for weeding the garden should not cause back strain or muscle pain. Depending upon the health of your back and joints, you could sit on the ground, weed on all fours, sit on a bucket or stand and weed. Experiment to find the position or positions best suited to your back’s condition.
