Kids love to
jump in them. Others snap photos. And some just like to stare.
As the
leaves turn from green to gold – many relish the kaleidoscope of colours upon
them.
However, if crunchy,
dried leave aren’t really your thing – grab a rake and check out these tips:
Wait for all leaves to touch ground. Rather than raise the risk of slips,
trips and sore muscles – wait for full fall before doing one big rake. Asides a
chance pathway clean, multiple rakes aren’t needed.
Dress for the occasion. Make sure to don some slip-proof
shoes and well-made gloves before raking. To ensure more warmth and less sweat, outfit yourself in layers of
lightweight apparel (t-shirts and zip ups). If you’re prone to allergies, grab
a mask or cover your nose and mouth with a scarf.
Choose the right rake. Your neighbor’s lightweight, plastic rake
might look ideal – but know that lighter rakes require more energy when
scooping. Instead shop for rakes that
fit your height and weight. To maximize comfort/ease consider ergonomic rakes
or rakes with handle grips.
Get the blood flowing. Stretch or take a stroll around the block
before setting out to rake. Muscle warm-ups can avert back, shoulder and neck
strain. Leg lunges and side bends can also prepare your body for scooping/lifting
action later.
Practice proper posture. Keep your neck and back feeling good
by bending your knees when lifting leaves. To lower back strain, avoid twisting
and turning as you toss leaves. Instead side step and let your whole body
switch position, not just your upper torso.
Take H2O breaks. Raking is repetitive, and can be hard
on the body. Stay energized by taking water breaks every 10 to 15 minutes. Water
sips and stretches help relieve tension.
