JU M B O
C U L T IV A T O R
Unique handle lets
you use both hands.
$
10
, Hom e Depot
G A R D E N
T R O W E L Curved
handle makes
gripping easier. $
13
,
radiusgarden.com
G E A R E D L O P P E R S
Leverages force so
cutting requires
less strength. $
35
,
fiskars.com
Spray Repellent
Som e emerging research suggests that
mixing sunscreen and insect repellent on
your skin at the same time may cause your
body to absorb more of the D EET in most
repellents. To play it safe, keep bugs away
by spraying repellent on clothes rather
than mixing with sunscreen on your skin,
says Dr. David Schlessinger, medical
director of Schlessinger Eye & Face clinic in
W oodbury, New York. Test a small area of
the fabric first to make sure it doesn’t stain.
Drink
3
to
6
ounces of w ater every
15
minutes while
gardening. Burn extra calories by drinking ice-cold water,
which requires more energy to bring up to body temperature.
Torso
S P IN E R O TA TIO N With feet at
shoulder width and hands on
hips,
far left,
gently rotate to the
side until feeling the stretch, then
turn to the other side. Repeat
15
times. Skip these and side bends if
you have osteoporosis.
S ID E B E N D S With hands flat
along sides,
left,
bend until your
hand is beside your knee. Hold,
then return to the start position.
Do
15
for each side.
Lower Body
S T A N D IN G K N E E L IF T S
March slowly in place,
far left,
lifting your knees toward your
chest as high as comfortable.
Do at least
15
repetitions.
H A M S T R IN G S T R E T C H
Place one foot on a step,
left,
the
other on the ground, then slowly
lean forward from your hips,
keeping your bac k straight.
Hold the stretch gently for
15
seconds on each leg.
BETTER HOMES AND GARDENS MAY 2009 97
