Winter has officially arrived. Minnesota
winters can bring snow and brutal cold and usually both. Today we spent the day
digging out from our biggest snow dumping in two years. Last year we were
spoiled with mild temperatures and very little snow. In the northern suburbs
where I live we were fortunate to be hit with close to 15 inches. Because of
this I spent part of the morning shoveling and then this evening shoveling
again. I am one of those Minnesotans who does not own a snow blower. I have to
clear the snow the old fashioned way, exercise and sweat.
This is all part of a weekend of
leisureship. I know what you are saying; shoveling snow doesn’t sound much like
leisure. It really isn’t but if you look at it as exercise it is leisure. Many
of you might spend money on a gym membership or home equipment when all you
have to do is buy a shovel and live in Minnesota.
It is good exercise, shoveling snow, but
you have to be careful when shoveling snow to make sure you don’t hurt
yourself. Just like any physical activity care should be taken to make sure
they exercise does good to your body and not harm.
If you are planning to shovel here are some
things to do to prepare yourself before shoveling.
·
Dress
in warm layers
·
Avoid
caffeine before shoveling
·
Stretch
your muscles
·
Begin
Slowly
·
Pace
yourself and listen to your body
Follow these items and you could have
yourself a decent cardio workout. Be sure you also don’t lift too much heavy
snow at one time and take short breaks if you need to do so.
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