Friday 15 February 2008

on carrying heavy weights

When carrying heavy things such as large camera bags, shoulder bags, boxes of books and heavy babies it's important to consider a few helpful things that may make life easier.

Here are a few suggestions to help your posture when carrying heavy weights....
1. If you can, get someone else to carry it.
2. Put the bag, box or thing down frequently and don't hold it for the sake of it.
3. Keep the weight as close to your body as you can, so you bear the load through your spine.
4. If the bag has a strap, wear it diagonally across your body to spread the weight through your spine.
5. If the bag has a strap, occasionally carry it over one shoulder, then switch to the other shoulder frequently, as well as wearing the strap diagonally (as in point 4 above). In other words, vary how you carry it so you're not getting stuck or carrying it in one manner for too long.
6. Don't carry more than you need. Take things out of your bag if they're not needed on this occasion.
7. Keep your neck free of tension as much as possible.
8. Avoid hunching your shoulders.
9. Think of your head going upwards so you lengthen in stature as you walk.
10. Avoid leaning to one side or forwards as you walk.

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