Working in the yard can be an excellent way to get some exercise without even realizing it. Those leaf-filled rakes, however, can be quite tiring on your body, especially if you’re not used to working in the yard or are out of shape. The good news is that there are some simple exercises you can do to keep your body limber while raking leaves.
Why is it important to stretch before raking leaves?
It’s easy to forget how demanding yard work can be on the body and joints. This is especially true of raking leaves, which can often lead to aching muscles and stiff joints. By taking a few moments to stretch before your leaf-raking session, you’ll be better prepared for the task ahead and less likely to suffer from any aches or pains afterward. Below are five simple stretches that will help you limber up and prepare your body for the task at hand.
Here’s top 5 stretching exercises for Raking Leaves.
Warrior Stance Stretch
Standing with your feet a little wider than shoulder-width apart, extend one arm straight in front of you and bend the other arm at the elbow so it’s pointing behind you. Lean forward until you feel the stretch in your back leg. Hold that position for 30 seconds and then switch sides. This stretch will help reduce stiffness in your joints and improve balance.
Lunge Stretch
The Back Leg Lowering Stretch is a great way to stretch out the back of your legs, hamstrings, and lower back after a long day of raking.
Here’s how you do it:
– Sit with your knees bent and your feet flat on the floor in front of you
– Slowly lean forward as far as you can until you feel a stretch in the back of your legs. Hold this position for ten seconds
– Tighten your stomach muscles, slowly come up, and repeat on the other side
Dead Bug
Sit on the floor with your legs stretched out in front of you and put your hands on the floor behind you to support your lower back. Keeping your legs straight, slowly lower your left leg towards the ground by bending it at the knee and gently touching the foot down to stretch it. Do not force this stretch but only gently touch it down and hold for 10 seconds before returning to starting position. Repeat with the other leg.
Scorpion Stretch
Lie on your stomach and place your hands under your shoulders. Bring your right leg over so it’s crossed in front of the left, then bring the left leg over so it’s crossed in front of the right. Push down with both arms and straighten them out behind you to push up as far as possible. Hold for 10-30 seconds before switching sides.
Back Leg Lowering Stretch
Stand on one foot, and then lower the other leg behind you. Bend your knee a little if necessary. Reach your arms up over your head and try to touch your toes. Hold this position for about 30 seconds, and then switch sides. This stretch is great for the hamstrings, glutes, hips, and back of the legs. It also helps relieve soreness from working out at the gym or from running long distances.
Of course, make sure to schedule a massage to take care of the aches and pains that these stretches miss!