It’s winter. In fact, it is the middle of winter if you haven’t taken a look at your calendar or outside as of late. You are probably thinking if you think about warm weather and sunshine for long enough, it will happen.

Sorry, but that is not how it works.

Unfortunately, we are still in for at least a couple of months of snow and cold. And no matter how you look at it, this means more body-aching, mind-numbing snow shoveling. That is, unless you have finally hired a Matthews snow removal service.

If you have hired a snow removal service, good for you. This means you can spend the rest of the winter doing the things you enjoy. Instead of shoveling snow you can:

  • Binge watch Spongebob Squarepants and catch up on Patrick’s shenanigans.
  • Clean out your spice cabinet, putting all the spices in alphabetical order.
  • Swap out all of your light bulbs with energy saving LED bulbs.
  • Cross off all the new year resolutions you have already broken.
  • Bake cookies using cricket protein powder.
  • Eat a cookie made with cricket protein powder.
  • Vow never to make cookies using cricket protein powder ever again.

As you can see, your time is well spent when you don’t have the burden of snow shoveling. And for those who are choosing to continue shoveling their own sidewalks and driveways, just know that you are probably doing it wrong. Here are some common things people do incorrectly when shoveling snow.

Not Warming Up

We pity the fools who fail to warm up before shoveling snow. It is a good way to hurt yourself. Think about it, everybody who does any sort of physical activity warms up first. Even baseball players who are getting ready to bat take, like, 150 fake swings before actually stepping up to the plate. Heck, dart throwers have warm ups before tossing a game.

Wrong Gear

That garden shovel is pretty handy when you want to plant flowers or dig up a tree root, but if you are using it to shovel snow, you are doing it wrong. And even those who use actual snow shovels often use one that is the wrong size. Let’s state the obvious; don’t use a shovel that is too big or too heavy, you will only make matters worse. Also, ergonomic shovels are big business for good reason, buy one and find out why.

Laws of Physics

Are you letting physics work for you? If you are having to lift snow to move it aside, check to see if you can’t simply push it out of the way. It is a whole lot easier on your back.

Lifting Techniques

If you do have to lift snow, make sure you are using proper lifting techniques and bending at the knees, keeping your back straight and feet apart. Try to avoid bending at the waist and let your legs to the lifting. Your back will thank you at the end of the day.

Follow these tips and snow shoveling will be a little easier. It would be a whole lot easier if you were to call us instead.