Spring Training: 3 Tips to Prepare Your Body for Gardening Season
As the chill of winter fades away and the first signs of spring emerge, avid gardeners everywhere eagerly anticipate the start of another growing season. It's a time for planning flower beds, selecting seeds, and dusting off gardening tools. However, just as plants lie dormant during the winter, our bodies may have been hibernating indoors, unprepared for the physical demands of gardening.
If you've experienced post-gardening soreness or fatigue, you know the importance of preparing your body for the tasks ahead. To help you avoid unnecessary pain and injuries, here are three tips to strategically prepare your body for the gardening season:
Start Performing Resistance Training, NOW. Gardening is no stroll in the park; it involves a myriad of physical activities, from bending and squatting to lifting and carrying. Incorporating resistance training into your routine can strengthen the muscles necessary for these movements. Focus on exercises that target the legs, lower back, core, and upper body. Building strength in these areas reduces the risk of injuries and minimizes post-gardening soreness, allowing you to enjoy more time outdoors.
Build Your Time Outdoors Gradually. While the excitement of gardening season may tempt you to dive in headfirst, it's essential to ease back into outdoor activities gradually. Start with short sessions of 30 minutes a day and gradually increase the duration as your body adjusts. Rushing into long hours of gardening can lead to overexertion, soreness, and potential injuries. By pacing yourself, you'll ensure a safer and more enjoyable gardening experience.
Perform Resistance Exercises for Your Hands. Often overlooked, hand strength is crucial for tasks like spreading mulch, digging, and using pruning tools. Incorporate exercises specifically designed to strengthen the muscles in your forearms, fingers, wrists, and elbows. These exercises can improve grip strength and dexterity, reducing hand fatigue and preventing injuries while gardening. Check out our video for building healthy hands here.
Gardening offers not only physical benefits but also mental well-being. Spending time outdoors, nurturing plants, and sharing the fruits of your labor can lower stress levels and improve overall mood. To ensure you can enjoy these benefits for years to come, it's essential to prioritize your body's readiness for the gardening season.
Much like baseball players undergo spring training to prepare for the season ahead, gardeners can benefit from their own version of spring training. By incorporating these tips into your routine, you'll be better equipped to tackle the tasks of gardening season with strength and resilience.
So, as you eagerly await the warmer days ahead, take the time to invest in your body's preparation. Your garden—and your well-being—will thank you for it.