Reducing Tool Bag Weight, Summer Gardening, Dead Bugs
Reducing Tool Bag Weight
As you pull your tool bag from the truck, consider taking a moment to notice its weight. Is it clean or cluttered? Is there anything you can remove? Can a tool or multiple tools be swapped for a lighter option? The weight of your tool bag is an important consideration when looking to improve ergonomics and reduce your risk of injury. Reducing the weight of your tool bag by just a few pounds can significantly reduce torque and force on your upper body.
Summer Gardening
Summertime typically brings along an abundance of yard work and gardening. Raking, shoveling, mowing, tree-trimming, and other outdoor tasks often require a lot of lifting, pushing, and awkward postures. As you work, practice the same ergonomic principles as you would at work. Use good lifting techniques, including squat lift and lower. Warm up the body before beginning, and practice reverse posture movements and micropause stretching to reduce the effects of sustained posture and repetition. Finally, use kneeling pads when working at ground level to minimize contact stress on the knees.
Dead Bugs
"Dead bugs" are a great exercise to help build core strength. To perform the "dead bug" exercise, lie on your back with your arms extended straight up and legs raised at a 90-degree angle. Lower your right arm and left leg toward the floor while pressing your lower back against the mat. Return to the starting position and repeat with the opposite arm and leg. Continue alternating sides for 10-15 repetitions, focusing on controlled movements and maintaining core engagement throughout the exercise.
