Growing up, the holiday season meant good food, good times
with friends and family and, my least favorite, decorating. Being the only boy
in my house, it was always my job to get the decorations out of the attic. My
dad would pass me the box and I had to carry it downstairs. Up and down. Up and
down. At the end of it all my parents would always tell me how lucky they were
to have me to do all the heavy lifting. But not everyone can be so lucky.
With all the lifting we do during the holiday season, we
need to remember the proper techniques. It is extremely important to understand
how to lift before lifting. Most attics are cramped and small and a lot of the
time we think we don't have enough space to lift properly. But we always do!
3 techniques to remember while lifting:
1) Never lift with your back: You are setting yourself up
for a long, painful holiday break if you lift all of your decorations with your
back. Make sure to use your lower body to lift. Squat and lift. Do not bend
through your spine to pick up a heavy box.
2) Maintain a solid base: A building is only as strong as
its foundation. Same goes for our body. We have to have a strong foundation
before we lift. Make sure that your feet are shoulder width apart and that you
have solid footing. Don't be like this guy.
3) Use your Glutes: I know that it is funny concept and it’s
a little weird to do but your glutes can save your back. While squatting to
pick up a box, use your glutes to lift you out of your squat. Yes, I am asking
you to squeeze your butt to stand up. Your glute muscles are a powerful tool
that rarely gets used properly, if at all. Try it now while sitting in your
chair. You'll notice that you start to bounce up and down. That’s what we want
when you are lifting!
With these 3 techniques, you will be able to lay on the
couch peacefully after a meal and not in pain because you threw your back out.
I hope everyone enjoys this holiday season! And as always, come see me at the
MVP Annex!
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