Proper snow shoveling technique!

It's New England. It's February. It's cold. The threat of snow is looming over us. We're certainly in the throes of winter. That being said, it's very important to keep your muscles in tip-top shape! Specifically, the muscles of the core. Core muscles play a pivotal role in snow shoveling for a multitude of reasons:

- Stability and Balance: The core muscles, which include the abdominals, obliques, and lower back muscles, help with your stability and balance while you lift and move snow. A strong core helps you avoid losing your footing on slippery surfaces or overexerting yourself while shoveling.

- Protecting the Lower Back: Shoveling snow often involves bending and twisting motions, which can put undue stress on your lower back if not done properly. A strong core helps protect the spine by distributing the load more evenly and reducing the risk of injury.

- Efficient Movement: Engaging your core muscles allows for more efficient movement when lifting and throwing snow. This can help conserve energy and reduce fatigue over time, making the task less taxing.

- Preventing Overuse Injuries: Shoveling is a repetitive motion and, if done improperly, can lead to muscle strain or overuse injuries. A strong core can help distribute the effort more evenly across your body, minimizing the chances of overloading any single muscle group.

- Power and Endurance: The core is integral to generating power during the shoveling motion, especially when lifting snow and throwing it away. A strong core enhances your ability to shovel effectively and for longer periods while minimizing tiredness.

Simply put, having strong core muscles not only improves performance while shoveling snow but also reduces the risk of injury, allowing for safer and more efficient completion of the task. It also leaves you in a better position to enjoy some fun wintertime activities! So bring on the snow!