Obviously if you are in Florida don’t bother reading this article. Up here in New England we have a lot of opportunity to get a full body workout from this chore, about 3-6 times per year.

This is a heavy duty workout for sure. It should be looked at as just that. The same rules apply as with other high intensity workouts. if you are over fifty years old, or have a heart condition,or high blood pressure consult your doctor before tackling shoveling snow.

Unfortunately many people die from this activity because it isn’t looked at as being as strenuous as it really is. Use caution. There is another factor to be concerned with when engaging in this activity. Slip and fall injuries. Obviously snow and ice is a slippery substance and ensuing fall can break wrists, sprained ankles and even fracture skulls. Be careful.

Always be sure to start with a good stretch, and be fully hydrated too. Dress appropriately. Layers of clothing are the best way to go, because as you get into this activity, you will warm up fast. You can just peel off a layer or two or put it back on as the need arises.

This activity is really going to take a toll on your lower back so I recommend that you do three sets of crunches before and after you are done. The purpose of mixing in the sit ups is because you want to practice good muscle balance. Always do the opposite exercise. And as you shovel, switch sides meaning, shovel like a right handed person, and then as a left handed person.

As far as equipment goes; there all sorts of funny shaped handles on snow shovels. I think these are useless. Just a simple straight handled shovel will work. I like the shovel body to be all plastic. Play around with different ways of throwing the snow off the shovel. The different angles that you use to toss the snow will work different parts of the body. One of my favorites is the over-the-head to thw back throw.

I don’t know what it is about breathing cold air while exercising but it really is exhilarating. Concentrate on your breathing while performing this activity. Also focus on keeping those abs tight throughout the exercise. This will help to build those muscles as the lower back and shoulders, and of course the arms are getting worked really well.

If your driveway area isn’t big enough, don’t forget your elderly neighbors. Not only will they appreciate the help, you can feel like a hero for the fact that you could be saving them from a terrible injury…or worse. As I said earlier, this isn’t just a mere chore, this is a job for a true athlete!

Now that your work is done, go enjoy a cup of hot chocolate. This delicious beverage never tastes better than after you are done shoveling snow. Why not have two cups? That won’t even replace half the calories you just burned.

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