Gardening without backache

The first warm rays of sunshine and gradually increasing temperatures mark the start of the season for hobby gardeners. Weeding the flower beds, trimming the hedges, mowing the lawns and planting the borders are now some of the favourite pastimes. However, often enough a good long session in the garden will be “rewarded” not just with fresh greenery but also with tension and backache, frequently caused by incorrect posture and one-sided strains. But the right tool can help to avoid this.

Conventional garden implements are often too heavy, cannot be adapted to the individual demands of the user’s body and thus put an extra strain on the spinal column, joints and muscles. This can have painful consequences. Ergonomically appropriate garden tools on the other hand are crucial for back-friendly gardening. Bosch is a pioneering manufacturer in this field. Several product series include tools and machines that have been awarded the seal of approval “certified & recommended” by the AGR (Campaign for Healthier Backs) – this is a quality attribute for back-friendly everyday products.

LAWN MAINTENANCE WITHOUT BACKACHE

A well maintained lawn makes the gardener’s heart skip a beat. But lawns need lots of attention and put a great strain on the back particularly when in view of the hours spent bending over a lawnmower. However, some Bosch lawnmowers permit an upright stance with posts that can be adjusted in height, while ergonomically shaped handles encourage back-friendly handling that is kind to the joints. The mower also offers several different positions for the hands, and all controls are easily accessible. Other positive attributes of the mowers also include their low weight, easy manoeuvrability and uncomplicated stowage.

However, the lawnmower cannot always reach the garden’s more remote grassy areas. A back-friendly grass trimmer is therefore an ideal additional implement. Here again, various models by Bosch have been approved by AGR. Models awarded with the seal of approval have a telescopic handle that can be pulled out to the required height to prevent the gardener from working in a bent posture. The trimmers also have ergonomic handles and easily accessible controls. Optional support wheels are another advantage: they enhance the convenience of the trimmer even further, while the low weight makes it easier to work with and transport the trimmer.

BACK-FRIENDLY HEDGE-CUTTING

The annual hedge-cutting task is also frequently a special challenge for the gardener’s back. Holding the tool up all the time puts a strain on the back, shoulders and neck. A heavy, inflexible hedge-cutter makes the problem even worse. The certified hedge-cutters weigh no more than four kilos while still being extremely powerful; furthermore, they can be held with the hands in a range of different positions, thus helping to reduce strains and tension. The non-slip handles have an ergonomic shape and are naturally spaced. The controls are easily accessible in every holding position. Particularly important: the hedge-cutter is horizontally balanced when held at the front handle. Additional advantage: battery-driven models offer even greater flexibility and freedom when cutting the hedge.

TIPS FOR GARDENING

Those seeking additional relief for their back when gardening should heed the following tips from the Campaign for Healthier Backs:

• Do not carry heavy loads. If possible, break heavy weights down and use an implement such as a wheelbarrow. Carry heavy items close to your body or get a second person to assist you.
• Bending correctly: keep your back upright and bend at your knees: that relieves the strain on your back.
• Straight back: make sure to keep your back straight, whatever you are doing. A permanently bent posture is one of the main causes for tension and backache.
• Gardening is leisure. Relax and enjoy your work in the garden. Take plenty of breaks and enjoy a chat with the neighbours. You don’t have to get it all finished at once.