I've been getting into gardening, spending a few hours digging and planting, but my back is killing me afterward! I'm struggling to find the right positions for bending, lifting, and reaching without ending up in pain. It would be awesome if there was a class on safe gardening techniques that also builds strength. I'm not in great shape, so I know I probably need to work on some general gym exercises to build muscle too. I've been stretching more after gardening, but I still have days when I forget. How do you guys deal with muscle soreness from gardening? Any specific exercises, stretches, tools, or tips you've found helpful?
3 Answers
A lot of people end up sore after a long winter, so you're not alone! I've found that doing squats helps with that pesky 'weeding butt' pain, and core exercises like sit-ups and planks can really protect your back. Even just 15 minutes of weight training a day can make a huge difference in avoiding sore muscles. You really don’t want to lose strength, so keep it up!
Honestly, yoga has been a game changer for me! It really helps with flexibility and strength, making it easier to garden without as much pain. You should definitely give it a try!
The rowing machine is a solid choice for building those squatting muscles while also supporting your back. I also like using the elliptical for overall endurance and the arm bike for a nice upper body workout. You might find it helps a lot with the energy you need for gardening!
That sounds great! I’ve heard yoga can be really beneficial. Any specific poses you recommend?