Core strength stands for less shoveling injuries
With this week’s snowfall, doctors say there’s more than what’s meets the eye when protecting your body from snow shoveling injuries.
“The most important thing is to have more core strength and if you concentrate more on tightening you abdominal muscles and your core muscles that directly offloads the back,” said Dr. Christopher Rancont, emergency physician at MidMichigan Alpena.
Rancont said utilizing core muscles will offset extra stress on the back and minimize straining the back muscles, which he says is not good.
“The doctors are right,” said Rick Houchin, “shoveling is a total body exercise and should be treated like you’re going to be working out any other time. Get a warm up in, stretch and move around.”
The lead trainer and nutrition expert at Bay Athletic Club talked and helped demonstrate in a video with WBKB exercises anyone can do at home to tighten their core muscles, and reduce snow shoveling injuries.
Houchin said no gym is required.
