Welcome back to this week’s edition of 2-Minute Tuesdays where we are talking about one exercise topic for two minutes and giving you three reasons why you should follow our advice. Now this week, we are putting out some content for those of you who have been assigned the chore of shoveling snow. Winter is on its way. You may have already had a blizzard or two. But, if not, we have got to get you ready so you can shovel the snow with zero injury and maximum efficiency.
1) Snow Shoveling Is Not Your Workout
Tip number one – your snow shoveling is not your workout. We know that snow shoveling is a lot of work, which is strenuous activity, but you have to remember that workouts are designed to make improvements on your body. Snow shoveling is not designed to improve your body.
Action Step: Make sure to schedule each of your workouts just like you always do. If you have to shovel snow, do not sacrifice getting in your workout in order to do so.
Related: How to take your home workouts to the next level
2) Start Exercising Now
Tip number two – start doing some resistance training now so you don’t get as beat up with the first snow. Snow shoveling can be extremely strenuous, especially for your low back, your arms, and your hips. If you are going to be shoveling snow for an hour or two, depending on how heavy the snowfall is, you have to start building your strength and getting your muscles working better now.
Action Step: Schedule at least two days per week of resistance training for yourself. Start doing this now so you can begin building up your strength in preparation for the first snowfall.
Related: How to work on your health without changing your lifestyle
3) Get Consistent MAT®
Tip number three – make sure you are getting regular Muscle Activation Techniques® (MAT®). We recently released a blog on ways to determine if you are a candidate for MAT®, so check that out because these can be precursor signs that are showing your muscular system’s vulnerability to injury. We want to make sure that you stay strong throughout the winter months and that all of your muscles are prepared to work hard.
Action Step: Check out this blog post and this blog post for more information on if you may be a candidate for MAT®. If so, make sure to find an MAT® practitioner in your local area here.