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My crew calls my pre-job habit silly, but it saves my back daily
A lot of contractors I know start work cold, saying warm-ups slow them down. I heard that for years and followed along. Then, I hurt my back bad moving a stack of drywall by myself. After that, I began doing five basic stretches each morning before lifting anything. The guys still joke and say I look funny bending over. But here's the thing: my back has not ached once in six months. I move heavier materials with less strain now. Taking those few minutes keeps me going strong all day, so I will not stop.
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anna1656mo ago
Hear that and it hits home. I began a similar routine of basic stretches after pulling something in my shoulder last year. My team still ribs me about my "morning yoga" but I haven't had that sharp pain since. Spending five minutes loosening up lets me work longer without feeling beat. The jokes are worth it to avoid another injury. I quietly win every time I finish a shift without aching.
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grant4656mo ago
My uncle did stretches for years and still threw his out moving appliances. For me, switching to lifting lighter stuff first, like a box of nails, for ten minutes gets the blood flowing better than just bending. I get what @anna165 says about avoiding pain, but my body needs to actually work a bit to feel ready. Those first few easy lifts are my real warm-up.
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victor_stone6mo ago
Totally get it. I used to skip warm-ups too, thought it was a waste of time. Then I tweaked my knee just getting out of my truck one cold morning. Now I do a couple leg swings and squats by the tailgate, no matter what. It looks dumb but that quick minute makes all the difference. Let them laugh, I'm the one not hobbling around after work.
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