Every year around this time, a big truck comes to our house, backs up and dumps a gigantic pile of mulch in the driveway. Then, my husband and I shovel it into a wheelbarrow and run around the yard, dumping it all over the place while trying to be civil to one another - a tough order when your back hurts and you have mulch dust up your nose. The worst part is the next day when we try simple things like getting out of bed or saying "Good morning, dear!"

It's tough to get in shape for gardening season during the winter because nothing can really mimic the act of shoveling, digging, planting, mowing, etc. It's also tough to go from not doing much to all day mulch-fests without experiencing some pain. But, there are some things you can do to make the process a bit more pleasant. For one, instead of rushing out for all day yard work, ease into it by doing a little at a time and giving yourself plenty of breaks. Or, do what my neighbors do and make your kids do all the work.

Another option is to try some strengthening and stretching moves for the entire body. You may still experience some aches and pains, but you may also recover a bit faster, making the transition to a new season a little easier. The following are some resources I've used to get strong and flexible this year...maybe they'll help you do the same:

• Strengthen and Stretch the Core. Try this strength and flexibility workout about 2-3 times a week and it you may find your back feels stronger for all that yard work.
• Pilates Quick Workout. Marguerite's Quick Workout is great for working the abs, back and pelvic floor. The workout is short and simple and you can easily do it after your other workouts or even while watching TV.
• Daily Stretches. Lack of flexibility, especially in the hamstrings and lower back, can really contribute to post-gardening pain. I love Ann's Daily Yoga Stretch routine and find that this 10-minute workout is perfect for mornings.
• Morning and Evening Yoga. This gentle yoga workout is another favorite of mine and I really enjoyed it after I was finished mulching for the day.
• Gardening and Arthritis. This is an excellent resource for gardening if you have problems with arthritis.
• Gardening and Back Pain. Anne, our Back and Neck Pain Guide, has a great article about gardening, providing tips for how to shovel, the proper way to pull weeds and even how to cut the grass. This article is a must if you tend to hurt your back in the yard.
• A Glass of Red Wine. Whoops, how'd that get in there? Okay, so we often have a glass of wine after working all day in the yard - according to Shereen, we may live longer because of it.