4 Best Snow Shoveling Hacks to Help You Dig Out Faster

Believe it or not, shoveling snow can be quite a workout. It can be as intense of a workout that you can get in your local gym or when working out at home. As with any type of exercise or workout, there are stretches, which we’re calling “hacks,” that you should consider doing before and after shoveling snow to get your muscles loose and help prevent any possible injuries.

You can do these exercises in your living room or garage before or after you have finished shoveling snow. To make it more realistic, you can also do these hacks using a snow shovel.

CLICK HERE to watch the YouTube video.

#1 – Single Leg Kicks

Begin in an upright standing position, maintaining proper alignment with your head, shoulders, hips, and legs. Hold the shovel in both hands and extend your arms out front at chest height. Contract your core and kick one leg up toward the ceiling, bringing your toes right past the shovel handle height. Return to the starting position and repeat the movement on the opposite side.Single Leg Kicks

Single Leg Kicks 

Start with one set of 5 repetitions on each side. The intensity for this workout is light to moderate, depending on your fitness level.


#2 – Squat to Raise

Begin in an upright standing position, with your feet shoulder-width apart and your toes slightly pointed outward. Maintain proper alignment with your head, shoulders, hips, and legs. Hold the shovel in both hands and extend your arms out front at chest-height. Contract your core, then bend through your hips and knees to move into a deep squat. Raise back up and extend your arms overhead. Return to the starting position and repeat the sequence of movements.Squat to Raise

Squat to Raise 

Start with one set of 5 repetitions. The intensity for this workout is light to moderate, depending on your fitness level.


#3 – Side Bend

For this exercise, you can perform the movement with or without the shovel.

Begin in an upright standing position, maintaining proper alignment with your head, shoulders, hips, and legs. Take a big step to one side with one foot then bend your knee to lower yourself into a side lunge position. Contract your core and bend your upper body to one side, lifting one arm overhead while placing your opposite hand on your bent knee for support. Return to the starting position and repeat the movement on the opposite side.Side Bend

Side Bend 

Start with one set of 5 repetitions on each side. The intensity for this workout is light to moderate, depending on your fitness level.


#4 – Lunge to Reach

For this exercise, you can perform the movement with or without the shovel.

Begin in an upright standing position with your feet slightly wider than shoulder-width apart. Take a big step to one side with one foot then bend your knee to lower yourself into a side lunge position, bringing your hands to the side. Contract your core then extend your arms up over your opposite shoulder. Return to the starting position and repeat the movement on the opposite side.Lunge to Reach

Lunge to Reach 

Start with one set of 5 repetitions on each side. The intensity for this workout is light to moderate, depending on your fitness level.

Know your limitations and use caution when shoveling snow. Make sure to dress warmly and wear comfortable footwear that is water-resistant and provides good traction. Avoid eating immediately before shoveling snow. Take breaks as needed and stop if you feel any unusual pain or lightheartedness. Lift with your legs, not your back, and try to push the snow with the shovel whenever possible.

If you want to overcome your low back pain flare-up so you can move your back around without worrying if the pain will come back, then check out the Low Back Pain Solved program, here!

Low Back Pain Solved