Wow, we've had a lot of snow this season! While as a skier this is good news to me, it also can bring trouble. Constant snow clearing, bundling all your layers, dealing with power outages- if you're in Vermont, you've experienced some if not all of these. While there's no avoiding the work that goes into snow clearing, there are some things to keep in mind to ease the load on your body.
1) Always wear gloves! I know this sounds silly, but even if it doesn't seem too cold or you're just going out for a few minutes, always keep your hands warm. It's not only important for avoiding frost bite, but also can help prevent circulatory issues like Raynaud's disease down the line.
2) Look at the wind-chill factor. The wind can change how it feels outside pretty drastically, I suggest having a wind-chill chart next to your thermometer so you can always have an accurate picture of what it will feel like outside.
3) Lift with your legs. You probably already know this, but it's so easy to forget in the moment. Bigger loads in the shovel doesn't always make the job quicker- especially if you throw your back out in the process! Take your time, be strategic, and take breaks when needed.
4) Don't leave it all to the end of the storm. When we're getting a foot or more of snow in a few days, it's really best to go out and shovel a few times as it's coming down. That way you won't be stuck with an almost impossible task when you really just want to be skiing.
If. you do end up pulling something or are just sore from the work of shoveling, a massage can help relax your muscles and increase your range of motion.
Stay warm and safe out there!
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