During packing and moving, most people complete more activity than they do during a normal day. Packing away items and occasionally relocating full boxes can burn around 245 calories an hour. If you are loading a moving truck or simply moving heavy boxes and furniture from one room to another you will naturally get both a cardio and resistance workout. However, to get the most out of moving day, you may want to throw in some additional stretches that complement the natural motions involved with packing and loading.
Forward Bend
If you are lifting properly, you will use the power of your legs as opposed to your lower back. However, few people can sustain a healthy back position all day while they pack and load a moving truck. For this reason, it is important to take regular breaks to allow your back and hamstrings to lengthen and rest.
You can add a forward bend any time you set down a box. As usual, set down a heavy box using a squat position. Then, instead of coming up as normal, drop your head towards the ground and slowly straighten your legs until you are in a forward bend. While you are in this position, rock back and forth and release the tension in your back and exhale explosively. You may want to press your back lightly against the box you just set down to deepen the stretch. Hold a forward bend for around 15 seconds before bending your legs and returning to a standing position.
Torso Twists
The majority of your movement on moving day will most likely be in a line along the front of your body. To add some variety and activate your core, you should occasionally add a few torso twists.
To complete a torso twist, stand at a 90 degree angle to where you will pick up or set down a box at waist height. Then, standing up tall, turn 90 degrees and either pick up the box or set it down before returning to normal. You should make sure you complete torso twists on both sides.
Jumping Jack Arms
After a day of carrying boxes, your shoulders and arms will probably feel fatigued. By giving them regular breaks throughout the day, you will help reduce the fatigue. A simple way to stretch your arms and engage your core in the lifting process is to do jumping jack arms. Just as it sounds, this is the arm movement of a jumping jack.
Begin by standing up tall with your legs slightly apart and your arms hanging by your side. Then, slowly raise your arms out to the side and over your head until you touch your fingertips together. With control, lower your arms to the starting position and repeat 10-20 times.
Next, bend your arms at the elbow so your hands are next to your shoulders and your elbows are as close to your torso as possible. Draw your shoulder blades together and slowly raise your arms over your head, straightening the elbows. Then return to your starting position and repeat 10-20 times.
While you are doing these exercises, you should concentrate on keeping your shoulder blades down and your neck extended.
Packing and loading boxes can be an intense workout. If you plan your day as if it was a day at the gym as opposed to a day around the house, you can utilize your moving time to complete an effective workout. Increasing your awareness of how you are moving and the extent of your fatigue can help you prevent injuries and soreness during your move. Clicking here can direct you to resources with more information on how to safely complete your move.
Share13 October 2015
I try to keep my living expenses down to save money for my family. But when we faced moving from one state to another last year, I didn't know how to do so without breaking my budget. Fortunately, a relative of mine suggested that I ask a moving contractor for help. The contractor helped me plan a moving strategy that not only saved me money on boxes, supplies and transportation, they also provided tips on how to make the move easier once we arrived to our destination. I learned so much about moving that I developed this blog. I offer tips on how to move on a budget, select the right moving supplies and even how to pack your belongings properly. If you're ready to get started, keep reading. Thanks for stopping by and good luck with your move.