How to shovel snow

You need the right stuff to tackle the white stuff. Learn how to shovel snow.

You Will Need:

* Warm clothes
* Two shovels: A plastic one and a metal one
* A can of non-stick spray
* And the discipline to pace yourself

Warning: Men with heart disease should not shovel snow, and healthy men above 50 and healthy women over 60 should avoid it as well.

Step 1: Stretch
Do five to ten minutes of stretching exercises to warm up your muscles.

Step 2: Dress warmly
Dress warmly with multiple layers, a hat and scarf, gloves or mittens, and shoes or boots with nonskid soles.

Step 3: Coat shovels
Spray the shovels with cooking spray to keep snow from sticking.
*Tip: Invest in ergonomic shovels; their bent shafts mean less bending, which means less back strain.

Step 4: Push snow
Use the metal shovel to push snow out of the way. The goal is to push, not lift, as much as you can to avoid back strain.

Step 5: Scoop snow
Use the lighter, plastic shovel to scoop up small amounts of snow, just an inch or two at a time.
*Tip: When picking up snow, keep one hand close to the shovel as you bend at the knees, with your back straight and legs apart.

Step 6: Step and dump
Take one step forward before dumping the snow.

Step 7: Rest
Take breaks every 15 minutes, or sooner if needed.
*Tip: If you can’t say a long sentence without getting winded, it’s time to take a break.

Step 8: Cover
If there are icy or slick patches, scatter salt to help melt them, or cover them with sand or kitty litter to help passersby—or yourself—get traction.

Step 9: Reward yourself
Reward yourself with some hot cocoa.