It is that time of the year, as we were rudely reminded last week, to break out the shovels and clear our sidewalks and parking spots. How do you do it without all the associated follow-up aching?
Thankfully, using physics as your guide, you can follow these simple steps to get the most benefit out of the least work.
1. Scrape it off the ground with your feet. – We have all been alive long enough to know that if you leave a thin, tightly packed layer of snow on the ground, that is exactly where you will slip the next day after it freezes overnight. The way to get the most snow off the ground without breaking your back is to put your foot on the shoulder of the blade—the part that scoops the snowand step down on it as you push it forward. The more vertically you apply pressure, the more friction you will be creating with the sidewalk, allowing you to really scoop up close to the ground.
2. Twist and shout. – Well, maybe not shout. But really, the best way to throw your collected snow off the shovel is with some circular motion. This way you can spin with your legs and core, generating more force than you could with the same amount of effort in your arms from a straight throw. And while you are spinning, make sure you hold the shovel across your body to minimize the amount it sticks out. By having a smaller radius when you turn, you can expend the same effort to get more speed in your spin. When you are getting ready to throw the snow, that is when you want to extend the shovel out from your body, increasing the radius of the snow’s path so when you stop the shovel to release the snow, it will travel further.
3. Choke up on it. – When you go to lift the snow off the ground, you want to have your dominant hand on the shaft as close to the blade as possible. We could talk about torque and length of the moment arm, but all you need to do to believe me is try picking up the same amount of snow, once with both hands toward the grip, and once with the hands as I just explained. You just did science!
4. Use the Force…the whole force. – Remember that your body is a powerhouse, if used correctly. Do not fall into the trap of muscling it all out with your arms and back. That is what leads to soreness. Put a little jump in your throw; lift by crouching and standing up rather than bending at the waist; and use your legs to push down on the blade to really scoop up close to the surface. Use all your muscles.
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