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Snow Shovel Stretches
By Fitsmi February 22

Do you dread the snow, or cheer it on? Either way, you might have been outside recently shoveling the driveway, a terrific workout which can leave your muscles feeling pretty sore. But before you kick the snow shovel to the curb Swiffer commercial style, why not use it for a full-body stretch? FitSugar posted a some great stretches you can do with your shovel, mop, or broom. Here are a few that will make you say “ahh.”:

For sore shoulders:

Stand with your feet hip distance apart. Extend your arms out in front of your chest, holding the handle with one hand and the other end of the shovel with the other hand.

Raise the shovel over your head and, as you gently arch back, lower the shovel behind you as far as you can. You should feel a nice release in the chest, shoulders, and abs.

After 30 seconds, bring the shovel to the front of your body and lower it to the ground.

For the sides of your body:

Stand with your feet together. Extend your arms out in front of your chest, holding the handle with one hand and the other end of the shovel with the other hand.

Raise the shovel up over your head and then arch to the side, lowering the bottom end of the shovel toward the ground. Try to keep equal weight in both feet, and gaze up toward the sky.

After 30 seconds, raise the shovel over your head and switch sides, holding for another 30 seconds.

Check out the original blog post for photos of these stretches.

And, hey–kudos for a job well done! Snow shoveling is a calorie-busting and muscle-toning workout.

Don’t forget to log your minutes moved on your Me page if you’re making the One Hour Is All It Takes change!

Photo by: dionhinchcliffe

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Fitsmi is a place for teen girls who want to make some healthy and lasting changes in their lives. Our approach is that healthy doesn’t have to be boring (right?).

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