Loosen up! Before starting, warm up your muscles for a few minutes, and stretch out the muscles in your arms and legs.
Use the correct shovel for the task at hand, and pace yourself throughout the task.
Stand with your feet hip-width apart and keep the shovel close to your body. Then, bend at your knees and tighten your stomach muscles as you lift the load on the shovel.
If you need to lift the load to one side or the other, reposition your feet to face the direction you want the load to go.
Take a few seconds to stretch and reposition. Keep tabs on your body and stop shoveling if you feel a strain or pain.