11/17/2025
There's a lot to love about fall: crisp air, 🍎 apple cider, changing colours, and even leaves piling up in your yard.
Raking leaves gives you a perfect opportunity to get outside, get some fresh air, and get in a workout💪 — all at the same time? You can make it a family activity too. We’ve put together some tips to get you through it comfortably.
🍁Use a rake which is the right size for you. The handle should be chin height and hands should be able to hold the rake 18″ to 24″ apart. A rake that is too short can hurt the back; one that is too heavy can strain shoulders and neck.
🍁Wear appropriate layers of lightweight clothing.
🍁Wear gloves to prevent blisters.
🍁Wear skid-resistant shoes – leaves can be wet and cause a fall.
🍁Warm up your muscles with light arms, back and leg stretches.
🍁Alternate hands with raking and stagger your feet to help shift weight.
🍁Make short strokes so you don’t overextend muscles.
🍁Rake to the side, keeping the back straight.
🍁Don’t twist. Moving the legs and pivoting the body is better to shift your weight.
🍁Stay hydrated.
🍁Pace yourself and take breaks.
🍁Remember to stretch after you finish.
Most importantly, listen to what your body is telling you. If you feel intense pain or tingling in your arms, stop immediately and seek medical attention🆘. If you aren’t used to that activity level, expect to be sore for the first 24 hours after raking. Soreness should improve after that point. Anyone who does not feel better or feels an increase in soreness should seek medical attention immediately.
Bagging your leaves……well, that’s a discussion for tomorrow!
If you’d like to be better prepared for your leaf raking/bagging project or if it doesn’t go well, call ☎️and book an assessment for physiotherapy or athletic therapy in Kingsville with a member of our team.
