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Is an ergonomic shovel worth it?

By Andrew Mckinney

The purpose of the ergonomic (bent) handled snow shovel is to reduce the strain on the lower back. The sharp bend in the handle reduces the need to bend over when shoveling snow. However, that same type of small shovel will be wasted in the hands of a much stronger person. Match your height.

Are sleigh shovels any good?

The deep blade is ideal for use in deep snow, and the ergonomic handle helps reduce back fatigue, as you can simply push and dump snow. According to customers, the Garant Sleigh Shovel is sturdy and incredibly easy to use, and it clears large paths that make quick work of large driveways.

How do you shovel ergonomically?

What are guidelines for shovelling?

  1. Keep feet wide apart. Place front foot close to shovel.
  2. Put weight on front foot. Use leg to push shovel.
  3. Shift weight to rear foot. Keep load close to body.
  4. Turn feet in direction of throw.

What is the difference between a snow shovel and a snow pusher?

The difference mainly comes down to blade design. A traditional shovel comes with an almost flat, 18- to 24-inch rectangular blade, in contrast to a pusher, which has a longer, narrower curved blade. Pushers are excellent for driveways because they clear snow faster and with less effort.

Can you use a regular shovel for snow?

A coating of non-stick cooking spray on the shovel blade can prevent snow and ice from sticking to it. Shovels are used for scooping and throwing accumulated snow from sidewalks and driveways but there are other snow removal tools designed for smaller amounts and for specific areas.

How do you shovel without lower back pain?

Guidelines to avoid a muscle strain or back injury while shoveling snow include the following: Keep the back straight at all times. Lead with the hips, not the lower back, and push the chest out, pointing forward. Then, bend the knees and lift with the leg muscles, keeping the back straight at all times.

Is shoveling bad for your back?

But if we’re not careful, snow shoveling can be harmful to our backs. In fact, research shows thousands of people end up in emergency departments each year after snow shoveling – and many of those visits are for back injuries. The repetition of lifting too much and twisting too far often wreaks havoc on the lower back.

Is a curved snow shovel better?

The study found that the bent-handle shovels reduced the amount of bending required, as well as how far the volunteers had to bend over. The shovels also reduced mechanical loads on the lower back by 16 per cent.