I have a chiropractor I go to simply because bending steel is hard on the body, and can put things out of alignment. My chiropractor regularly sees a spike in business after a snowstorm, many times because people throw their backs out while shoveling snow.

Since it’s snowing right now and is expected to keep snowing throughout the day, I figured I could give you this quick tip now and save your back when shoveling snow later, and possibly keep you out of the chiropractor’s office unnecessarily (sorry doc!)

First, the information in this post is for informational purposes only. And it is given under the assumption that you don’t have any blood pressure or cardiovascular issues.

So when you dig your shovel into the snow, there is going to be a couple things to keep in mind. One is your spinal alignment which I can try to explain as keep your spine long, and try to get the movement from your hips and legs.

When it comes time to fling the snow sip in air like you are drinking a cup of coffee (coffee is my pre-workout of choice). Imagine as if you are filling a vase from the bottom up. Then trap the air in your stomach like you are trying to squish a bubble as you fling the snow to the side of the driveway.

What this does is provide support for the spine using your abs like a safety belt. This technique is something I teach as part of optimal technique training in my personal training studio in Boonton for things like kettlebell swings, deadlifts, overhead pressing, etc. Safety shouldn’t come at the expense of strength, and strength shouldn’t come at the expense of safety either. They work together simultaneously as part of optimal technique.

Many times also people get a rude awakening when they go to shovel their driveway when they realize they got out of shape. If this is you, and you want to sample my program, I offer a free trial membership. Just text me at 973 476 5328 and let me know when you’d like to get started.

Eric Moss is a personal trainer in Boonton and doubles as a world-record-holding modern-day professional performing strongman, author, and motivational speaker. In the tradition of the strongmen more common during the turn of the century, he performs feats of strength such as bending steel and breaking chains as part of a show and speaks on goal achievement for corporations, nonprofits, government as well as for schools and universities. His exclusive personal training studio is located on Main Street in Boonton New Jersey, is close to Mountain Lakes, Denville, Montville and Parsippany New Jersey.