Snow Shoveling Safety

Dated: December 1 2025

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Snow Shoveling Safety: Protect Your Back, Your Heart, and Your Toes

Clearing snow and ice from your driveway or walkway might look simple, but it’s truly heavy-duty work—and it can be tough on your body. The Mayo Clinic even recommends checking with your doctor first to make sure your heart can handle that level of exertion. Snow shoveling is basically a full-body workout in freezing temperatures!

Before you grab that shovel, take a few minutes to warm up. Stretch your arms, legs, and back to help prevent muscle strains. Staying hydrated is just as important in winter as it is in summer, so drink plenty of water (or a sports drink) before and after you shovel. And be sure you’re bundled up—think layers, gloves, hat, and a good coat—to protect your skin from frostbite.

Make Shoveling Easier on Yourself

Try to start clearing snow once there’s about two to four inches on the ground. If you wait until it’s packed down, you’ll be fighting an uphill battle.

When you shovel:

  • Keep your back straight

  • Bend at the knees

  • Push the snow instead of lifting whenever you can

  • If you do lift, only fill the shovel ¼ to ½ full

  • Hold your lifting hand close to the blade for better control

  • Lift with your legs—not your back

  • And don’t twist your torso to toss snow

Your body will thank you later.

Know Your Limits

It’s really easy to overdo it—especially when you feel like you “just need to finish this last section.” Listen to your body. Stop when you’re tired. Take breaks often. Pace yourself.

And honestly… doesn’t a warm mug of hot chocolate by the fireplace sound much better than pushing through exhaustion?

Stay safe, stay warm, and take care of yourself out there—Indiana winters aren’t playing!

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Crystal Anderson

Crystal Anderson | Managing Broker | Regional Vice President | Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Indiana Realty (Columbus, IN)Crystal Anderson—widely known as “The Tie Dye Agent”&mdash....

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