1. Do some stretching before you head outside, just to limber up like you would before any other workout.
2. When buying a shovel, invest in one that has a smaller blade -- the less snow you pick up, the less strain on your body. You may also want to try a lightweight, ergonomic shovel -- preferably one with a bent handle (pictured). A shovel with a plastic blade will be lighter than a steel blade, but the choice is yours.
3. If you can, avoid lifting the snow while shoveling. Instead, push the snow to the side.If you must lift the snow, stand with your feet hip distance apart and keep the shovel close to your body.
4. Always bend from the knees, not the back or torso.
5. Tighten your abdominal muscles as you lift the snow to help provide extra back support.
6. Pause every 10 minutes or so to catch your breath and make sure you're not overexerting yourself.
7. Avoid drinking coffee before going outside in the snow, as it can place more stress on your heart by increasing your heart rate and causing blood vessels to narrow.
8. Dress in layers and remove layers as you work up a sweat to avoid overhearing.
9. Drink plenty of water before, during and after you shovel your driveway.
A few other cool snow shovels we found include wheels, but no motor, so they reduce pollution and physical strain! The Wovel is touted as the world's safest
snow shovel; it even won an award from Time magazine. Then there's this lightweight ergonomic shovel we found on QVC for just $65.OR you could just get one of these.
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