Protect those Joints!:

Use tools with padded handles and easy spring loaded handles to minimize stiffness in the hands. If you are spending time on your knees, wear knee pads, use a knee cushion or a kneeler seat. These items will cushion the knee joint and reduce pressure.

Conserve your energy:

Think Ahead! Carry all the hand tools you may use in a bucket and your large tools in a cart. This will save you many trips to the shed or garage. Sitting or kneeling on a Kneeler Seat instead of bending over will save your back, hips and legs from tiredness and stress. A Kneeler Seat is a low seat, and turned upside down it’s perfect for kneeling and the handles will help you get back up. They are generally cushioned on both sides for comfort.

Lift Smart!:

Bags of Mulch, Stone and Soils can be awkward and heavy to carry. Try taking them from your vehicle to a garden cart or wheelbarrow. Move it where you need it, cut the bag open lengthwise and dump it. The material will come out of the bag easily. Or you can keep it in the wheelbarrow and shovel it out.

Heavy plants- if you are moving heavy plants or shrubs, try tipping a wheelbarrow forward as close to the plant as you can. Then gently rotate the pot or ball of the plant into the wheelbarrow. Slowly bring the wheelbarrow to a standing position, so as not to bang the plant around. move it to its destination and reverse the process. If you prepare the hole first, the plant can be easily installed. If its in a pot, set it next to the hole and remove the pot, then roll the ball into the hole. B&B plants can be rolled directly into the hole and then cut the burlap. If your plant has nylon burlap it must be removed completely. This process will minimize stress on your lower back and stress on the plant. Plants do not like to have their roots banged around. » Read more: Healthy Gardening Tips