Winter can be a breathtaking time of year but it also comes with the annoyance of shoveling snow. While the young and spry among us may be able to handle this chore without too much complaint, as we get older the strain of the activity can cause serious back pain. Fortunately, there’s an easier way that shifts the weight off your lower back and might save you just a little bit of grief.
Everyone knows the normal method for shoveling snow. With the snow shovel in your hands, you have to bend over, chunk the shovel in and then lift again with your back and knees to move the snow around. There are lots of bending, lifting and twisting motions with the snow shovel essentially acting as an axis across your body. While the advice of professionals says to never bend at your back and to only use your knees, let’s face it: after long enough out in the cold, you’re going to forget even the best advice.
By using one simple innovation, the entire process can be easier. All you have to do is get a lightweight rope and secure it loosely to the handle of your shovel. Tie a knot on each end and make sure there’s some slack in the middle so that when you grab the rope from the middle the shovel hangs below it.
Now when you’re using the shovel, keep one hand on the handle and the other hand grasped in the middle of the rope. With this method, your back can remain completely upright while you use your hands to maneuver in the thick snow. By using your rope hand to twist or flick the rope to the side, you can easily fling snow to the side without the added back strain. While this is a simple life hack, it’s one that’s sure to save anyone who tries it plenty of grief.
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[Source: L Kanavaros]
