Treat shoveling like a sport. Ok you may need to use your imagination for this if you’re trying to find the “fun” in this…and by no means am I implying it should be a race. What I mean is to ensure you are warmed up. Gentle twists side to side, lunges, side bends, should all feel ok and will help to warm-up your tissues that you are going to call upon to help you.

Wear adequate footwear. If your shoes do not have much grip, a lot of your muscle use and energy will be directed to keep you upright. You will be more tense and more prone for injury when you add shoveling to the mix. You want to be warm and relaxed to set you up for success.

I know its cold out and often a job you want to get over-with, but shoveling smaller amounts at a time (both in terms of area and how much snow is on your shovel) will reduce the load over time.

Often we will lunge with our dominant leg which means we are twisting to the same side with every shovel. Try to be mindful of switching what leg is stepping forward so you get twists to both sides

If you have back pain or prone to back issues, ask for help. If your neighbour is elderly or injured, offer to help. Sometimes the damage that we incur isn’t from the one event/ snow fall but the cumulative micro traumas effect over the course of the season. If you have the means, paying a company or neighbour to maintain your sidewalks may be worth it!