GARDENING TIPS AND TECHNIQUESProper movements and tools will extend your gardening season The secret to a healthy garden is a healthy gardener. Gardening is an active pursuit that can cause musclestrain to the lower back, shoulders, knees and arms, especially if you are out of shape and do not moveproperly. To get the most of your gardening season, the Canadian Physiotherapy Association (CPA)recommends gardeners follow the following tips and techniques. A “warm up” before you start your gardening workout helps to reduce muscle strain, injury and fatigue. Do someshoulder circles, trunk rotation, and heel / toe standing. You might even ‘rehearse’ movements, like raking, as partof your warm-up. Then, take a few minutes to do the following stretches, and repeat them again at the end of yourgardening activity. If you begin to feel a bit stiff while gardening, pause and do more stretches.