Here are 3 simple tips to help you shovel snow more safely and avoid getting hurt:
1. Warm up before you shovel
- Snow shoveling is not a casual activity — it’s loaded, repetitive, and demanding.
- Take 3–5 minutes to move first:
- Easy squats
- Arm circles
- Gentle trunk rotations
- Cold, stiff joints + sudden effort = higher injury risk.
2. Avoid twisting while lifting or throwing snow
Most people assume the danger is bending forward — but twisting under load is often worse.
Instead:
- Face the direction you’re throwing the snow
- Move your feet, not just your torso
- Keep the shovel close to your body- This protects not only your back, but your shoulders and hips as well.
3. Respect slippery conditions (falls cause more than back pain)
Many winter injuries don’t come from shoveling itself — they come from losing footing.
Falls commonly lead to:
- Shoulder injuries
- Wrist fractures
- Hip and knee trauma
Wear footwear with traction, take smaller passes, and slow down when surfaces are icy.
If you’re already dealing with aches, stiffness, or pain after shoveling — don’t ignore it or assume it’ll “just go away.”
That’s often how small problems turn into lingering ones.
If you need guidance, want your movement checked, or feel unsure about what’s safe for your body, we’re here to help – send us a DM!
