Aimee's Stretches for the Basic Gardener

 Let's get moving, y'all! It's summer, which means folx are out and about in their yards and gardens. We wanted to create a movement guide for all of you who are working outside so that you don't injure yourself in the process!

As with most activities, injuries happen when people throw themselves all in without adequate training or warm up. Yard work and gardening is no different! 

Get your body warmed up before leaping into your activities. Warming up with slower smaller movements gets your body prepped for what's about to come! While carrying heavy things, actively think about your posture- shoulders back, head up, and engage that core. If you have the thought "I probably shouldn't be doing this like this" then you probably shouldn't ;)

After all the bending over and crawling around on your hands an knees, stretch out your entire back by standing up tall and reaching to the sky. Pigeon pose is helpful for lengthening the psoas and hip flexors. A figure four stretch or crossing your leg over the other pulling knee to chest, will get your buns all stretched out and feeling good too!  And of course, after your day in the sun, be sure to hydrate your body. Adding electrolytes, collagen, and vitamin C to your water helps balance your body and aid in cellular repair.