Ergonomic tools, in my lexicon, are those with a handle long enough so we can use it with our back straight and our knees bent in a pulling, rocking motion. I’ve been writing about gardening and fitness since 1992 and I’m very specific about what is a good, ergonomic tool and what isn’t. The AM Forged Handy Weeder is a good ergonomic gardening tool. It’s 18 inches long, is used with a pulling motion and is long enough to use without stooping over. The garden weazel, with a 44 inch handle is a very bad tool. It’s virtually impossible to use without straining your back. Also it’s most effective when pushed into the ground versus pulled. And you cannot push a tool using your legs with a handle that is 44 inches — unless you’re a hobbit. Handles 60 – 72 inches are best — although difficult to find.

Foam handles are a good idea but less than 10% of the ergonomic equation.
A trowel with a foam handle is still not a very good ergonomic tool. Poking or stabbing at the ground, with the small muscles of your arms and shoulders is not effective, ergonomic or aerobic. It will only lead to sore wrists, arms and shoulders. There are better ways to dig a hole. Use a post-hole digger, a long-handled shovel, an auger or use the Forged Handy Weeder (using a pulling motion).

Although I’ve been promoting this new way of gardening, few are aware of it. Use a long-handled tool, use a pulling motion, bend your legs, with your knee over your foot and either rock or scoot your body, using your legs to power the tool. Give it a try. The difference in how you feel on Monday will be dramatic.

Visit my website http://www.getfitthroughgardening.com and view the videos. Practice the stances and techniques shown. Take it slow and be sure to stretch your legs and groin before you start. Only use them for short periods at first because the motions resemble an aerobics or martial arts class more than any traditional gardening you’ve seen.

Jeffrey Restucio, Author, Get Fit Through Gardening