Here are some techniques to reduce injury:

• Warm up with a short walk before you begin, followed by light stretching.

• Avoid twisting. Don't bend at the waist and reach for leaves. Instead, keep your feet shoulderwidth apart with one foot forward and rake the leaves in a backward direction, toward yourself.

• Don't try to do the entire job in one day. You wouldn't run 10 miles the first time you tried jogging, so don't attempt to rake the entire yard your first time out.

• Stop and take stretching breaks to rest your muscles. Put your hands on the small of your back. Keep your knees straight and bend backwards. Lift your arms over your head and reach skyward.

• Vary movements while raking. Alternate arm positions so one arm is not doing all the work.

• Bend at the knees (rather than at the waist) to lift leaf bags. Avoid twisting your back as you lift. If you have to turn, rotate your entire body.

• When you are finished working, stretch again to relieve muscle tension or soreness.