Shoveling Tips

[The Swede]

The ultimate cardio.

16" of wet stuff in the last day or so.

Historically no big deal for Minnesota, but sure is in the last 15 yrs.

Snow Shoveling

While shoveling snow can be good exercise, it can also be dangerous for optimistic shovelers who take on more than they can handle. The National Safety Council offers the following tips to help you get a handle on safe shoveling:

• Individuals over the age of 40, or those who are relatively inactive, should be especially careful.
• If you have a history of heart trouble, do not shovel without a doctor's permission.
• Do not shovel after eating or while smoking.
• Take it slow! Shoveling (like lifting weights) can raise your heart rate and blood pressure dramatically; so pace yourself. Be sure to stretch out and warm up before taking on the task.
• Shovel only fresh snow. Freshly fallen, powdery snow is easier to shovel than the wet, packed-down variety.
• Push the snow as you shovel. It's easier on your back than lifting the snow out of the way.
• Don't pick up too much at once. Use a small shovel, or fill only one-fourth or one-half of a large one.
• Lift with your legs bent, not your back. Keep your back straight. By bending and "sitting" into the movement, you'll keep your spine upright and less stressed. Your shoulders, torso and thighs can do the work for you.
• Do not work to the point of exhaustion. If you run out of breath, take a break. If you feel tightness in your chest, stop immediately.
• Dress warmly. Remember that extremities, such as the nose, ears, hands and feet, need extra attention during winter's cold. Wear a turtleneck sweater, cap, scarf, face protection, mittens, wool socks and waterproof boots.

Source: National Safety Council

[TheDon]

screw that I'm buying a snow blower.. Oh wait.. Im in florida suckers

[The Swede]

Originally Posted by TheDon

screw that I'm buying a snow blower.. Oh wait.. Im in florida suckers

No kidding.

The wife is down in Naples for some R & R.

[Mistress]

Originally Posted by TheDon

screw that I'm buying a snow blower.. Oh wait.. Im in florida suckers

we'll be laughing during hurricane season...

[catmandoo62]

rule number 5 ain't gonna happen,this stuff is wet and heavy.my jd snowblower made mincemeat out of it.

[mgburg]

Screw the rules - give me a snowblower...I'm tired of this stuff!!!

[The Swede]

Since our garage is on an alley, no need for a snow blower.

I kinda enjoy the workout, but this wet stuff is a PIA. Especially when the plow kicks up long row of packed snow on the driveway.

[kerry]

I've got a snow shovel with a 'back saver' handle that jogs upward. I can really feel the difference between it and a traditional shovel.

[The Swede]

Yeah, those are key with this heavy stuff. We call it "heart attack" snow.....

[Pete Geither]

Have a snow blower on the front of the John Deere and it has come in handy again this year. Todays' rain and temps got rid of a LOT of the snow. I have one of those new curved handled snow shovels and they make a big , read easier,,, difference in moving snow on the sidewalks.

[John Doe]

Snow's for skiing, not living with I played tennis today--it topped out at 74F

[The Swede]

Wet snow is useless. I like the fluffy stuff, like real 36DD's on a chickie-poo.

[Larry Delor]

Originally Posted by Mistress

we'll be laughing during hurricane season...

Shhhhh! Don't say that! LaNina is supposed to show her head - that means more hurricanes for the Atlantic.

[WVOtoGO]

Darn - From the opening title, I was hoping this one was about getting through some of the other threads here on the forum.

[TheDon]

Originally Posted by Mistress

we'll be laughing during hurricane season...

what hurricanes.. we were promised 13 or so this year


Don't worry I'm suffering though. My allergies are killing me... I miss the cold dead winters.. That was when I could breath and sleep at night.. Now all year round my allergies kill me