Stay an active gardener and prevent injury!

It's this time of year again where people actively start to garden. Unfortunately every year I receive several messages from individuals being left out of action due to back and neck injuries sustained from gardening. It's a joyful experience to be outside gardening and good exercise too but it's important to take safe steps in order to avoid injury.

Here's a few tips taken from a gardeners health guide; Stretching and twisting put added stress on the joints and discs in your spine.

Lift carefully and avoid back injury. Lift correctly, begin by squatting not bending at your waist.

If you've been in a specific position for a while, do some stretches during breaks.

Using kneelers with well cushioned base is a must! Try sitting on it at close proximity to the weeding area and pull from a close distance instead of kneeling and reaching forward.

Bend the knees when lifting heavy items and keep it close to the body without extending the arms too far out.

Try a brisk five-minute walk and some stretching exercises. One relatively gentle stretch is the back flexion exercise, in which you lie down on your back, then pull both knees to your chest while bringing your head forward.

Rehydrate with plenty of water!