During the winter months, snow shovelling can be a pain, considering that each shovelful of snow weighs about six pounds. That’s a lot of repetitive lifting, and wear and tear on your back! 
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These back health tips will ease the hassle of clearing your driveway and help keep your back in shape:
WARM UP
DON’T LET SNOW PILE UPIf the weather report calls for several days of snow, frequent shovelling will allow you to move smaller amounts of snow after each snowfall. 
PICK THE RIGHT SHOVELUse a lightweight push shovel. If you’re using a metal shovel, spray it with Teflon, so snow won’t stick to it.
PUSH, DON’T THROWPush the snow to the side rather than throwing it. This way, you avoid lifting heavy shovelfuls of snow, and abrupt twists or turns that may result in injury. 
BEND YOUR KNEESIf you need to lift shovelfuls of snow, bend your knees, and use your leg and arm muscles to do the work, while keeping your back straight. 
TAKE A BREAKIf you feel tired or short of breath, stop and take a break. Shake out your arms and legs to recharge. 
STAY HYDRATEDEven though it’s cold outside, your body still needs plenty of fluids. Be sure to drink lots of water before, during and after shovelling. 
Remember – if you feel thirsty, you are already dehydrated!
Remember – if you feel thirsty, you are already dehydrated!
TAKE IT SLOWRest when you feel tired or short of breath. Stop shovelling if you experience sudden or prolonged joint or muscle pain.
COOL DOWNAfter you’ve finished shovelling, cool down by taking a walk and stretching out tense muscles.
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