B.A.S.S. – Balance. agility. strength. stretching

Garden B.A.S.S. Week 10 –
Push, Pull & Mow. Get Stronger Doing It

By Kate roberts

Working in the garden is different for everyone.

For some, it’s sitting comfortably with a herb garden, gently pulling weeds, or pruning small bushes. For others, it’s sweeping the deck, cleaning the pool, shifting pots, mowing the lawn, or pulling the cord on a whipper snipper.

No matter the task, these jobs all ask something from your body — strength to push and pull, control when you turn, steady balance, and good grip.

This week, Kate focuses on helping you build the kind of strength that makes these jobs easier, less tiring, and more manageable day to day. Watch the B.A.S.S. video for this weeks exercises, and read below for some great ‘how to’ information of lawn mowing, and wiper snipping.

Why this matters

Garden work is full-body movement.

You’re walking on uneven ground, stepping around garden beds, reaching for tools, and changing direction constantly. This naturally challenges your balance and coordination.

When you add heavier tasks like mowing, sweeping, or moving pots, your body needs to share the load well. If it does, the work feels smoother and more controlled. If it doesn’t, the effort often ends up through your arms and back alone.

Example:
Think about pushing a lawn mower. If your legs, core, and shoulders are working together, the movement feels steady and efficient. If not, it quickly becomes hard work through your arms.

A few practical principles for heavier garden work

• Turn your whole body
  Pivot through your feet and hips when you change direction, instead of twisting through your spine alone.

• Step into the movement
  When sweeping or shovelling, let your hips and feet rotate with you so the work is shared across your body.

• Set yourself before you push
  For a mower or heavy pot, plant your feet, soften your knees, engage your core, then push.

• Stay grounded when pulling a cord
  Use a stable stance - planting your feet firmly, slight bend through hips and knees. Hold the equipment with one hand firmly, and the cord with the other. As you pull the cord you might rotate slightly OR engage your core and hold still while you pull quickly on the cord with just your arm.

What to do this week

Watch the video. Practise the 2-minute B.A.S.S. each day.

And at home or in the garden, remember:
When you push or pull, use your legs — not just your arms.

Keep the Momentum going with Holiday Classes

Even one class per week keeps your legs strong, balance steadier and allows you to walk taller. Keeps your progress ticking along by booking a holiday class now.

Spaces are limited, so book now to secure your spot. You can attend in person or online.