Holiday cleaning is what a lot of people do to get their homes prepared for visitors during the Holiday Season. And if you’re hesitating because you’re concerned about your back, here’s some good news – it can help!
Let’s read about 4 ways that Holiday cleaning can be good for your back. Maybe this weekend is your Holiday cleaning moment?
1. Use It or Lose It
There’s a tendency for people stop moving, as the cold weather sets in. Submitting to the “cabin” mentality many of us take in the winter, the most movement we do is between the front door and the car door.
But that’s not a great way to spend half your life. Getting your home clean and ready for the Holidays and family visits is one way to keep moving. But don’t stop there. Make a habit of exercise as often as possible over the winter, even if it’s just the stationary cycle. Your back will thank you.
2. Burn Those Calories!
While you’re cleaning, you’ll be burning about 50 calories every 15 minutes (meaning you’ll look svelte for your Holiday company).
We’re sure you’ll get plenty of motivation from that fact alone. Just imagine what getting out in the backyard and pruning back those bushes will do for your waistline.
And here’s the deal with burning calories – your spine and joints are under way less pressure when you maintain a normal, healthy weight.
3. Give Your Back a Thought
Movement of all kinds can both help and hinder. That’s why, while you’re doing your Holiday cleaning, it’s important to remember your back as you do so.
Lifting mattresses to flip them? Ask for help. Trying to perform this activity on your own is a recipe for disaster. Always think before you lift anything heavy. Are you performing the lift correctly?
Remember – lift with your legs and, if moving a heavy load from one position to another, take small, deliberate steps toward your objective – don’t twist!
4. Vacuuming and Sweeping as Exercise
How many times have you clutched your back after a good bout of vacuuming or sweeping? You’re not alone. Most people don’t practice proper form while they’re doing this type of activity.
As you vacuum, avoid twisting. Also avoid reaching too far forward with your arms. This action throws your entire body off balance.
Instead, make the activity a spine-supporting exercise. Remember to stay pointed at what your doing with your upper body, instead of twisting. And instead of bending from the waist, step into the vacuuming, bending your standing knee as you do so. This places you in a partial lunge.
You’ll not only have a spotless floor, you’ll be strengthening your lower body and preventing injury while you do so.
As with all activities, technique is crucial to supporting the health of your spine. Performing the movements mindfully puts your back first, transforming Holiday cleaning into a gentle form of exercise that keeps your back happy!
Need spine health support? Contact Spine Consult NJ.