A Word from Rowan...

It is often the case after winter that many of us will be so excited to see a rare sunny day that we will jump straight back into the garden...going from doing no gardening all winter to immediately doing 6 hours in one sunny day.

It is very important to know that for some people, this can be a mistake and potentially dangerous.  Long periods of time bent over in the garden places large loading on our lower back and hamstring muscles.  If these muscle groups don't have the required conditioning due to lack of activity over winter, it can leave us extremely susceptible to lower back strain.

When getting out into the garden for the first time in a long time, start with 2 hours gardening a day and build from there.  If you have no back pain after the first time then you can extend your time in the garden the following time.

Remember, spending 6 + hours in the garden after doing nothing all winter is like walking a marathon with no training leading up to the race.  You are very likely to injure yourself...and with gardening the most common place will be your back.

So take care the next time you get out into the garden and try to remember my advice!

Enjoy getting back into the garden.

If you have any further general questions please don't hesistate to email us on gym@bodysynergy.co.nz

Alternatively if you would like to email me directly with a question or concern please feel free to on rowan.ellis@bodysynergy.co.nz