09/17/2026
Raking is one of the most common causes of fall back injuries. Why? Because we usually do it using asymmetrical repetition. We hold the rake the same way and twist to the same side for thousands of pulls, which completely exhausts one side of the lower back.
Our top tip to save your spine? The Switch-Hitter Rule.
Every 10 minutes, force yourself to switch your hands and rake on the opposite side of your body. Yes, it will feel extremely awkward and uncoordinated for a few minutes, but it balances the strain across both sides of your spine and prevents those nasty muscle spasms!
We just posted our complete 2-minute Fall Yard Work Survival Guide on the blog, featuring our favorite "reset" stretch to do as soon as you finish bagging the leaves.
🔗 Click the link in our bio to read the guide and save your back this weekend!
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