How to rake safely

Here are some tips for safe raking:

• Warm up with light activity for 5-10 minutes.
•  Use a rake that’s the right size.
  
• Wear gloves to protect your hands and wear shoes with good traction.
• Use good body mechanics: Engage your abdominals, bend from your knees and not from your waist, don’t twist, and keep the rake close to your body.
•  Pace yourself; don’t try to do it all in one day.
•  Keep yourself hydrated, and stretch afterwards.

 
If you don’t feel physically up to the task, hire a trainer to help you get in shape. After all, you don’t want to injure yourself raking so that you can’t shovel snow in a few months.