Motion Minute: November 2025

10.31.25 03:38 PM - By Motion Connected

THE WELLNESS UPDATE
How to Rake Leaves Without Hurting Your Back

Raking may look simple, but it’s a real workout for your back, shoulders, and arms. Here’s how to clear your yard safely and pain-free this fall with advice inspired by experts at the Cleveland Clinic.

1. Warm Up First
Treat raking like exercise. Take a quick walk, swing your arms, or do light stretches to warm up before starting.

2. Keep Good Form
Stand tall, bend your knees slightly, and avoid twisting your back. Move your feet to face the direction you’re raking instead of rotating your spine.

3. Choose the Right Rake
Pick a rake that fits your height and strength. A handle that’s too long or heavy can strain your back. 

4. Take Breaks
Work in short bursts — about 20 to 30 minutes — and stretch between rounds. Spread the job over a few days if you can.

5. Lift Smart
When bagging leaves, bend at your knees, not your waist, and keep the load close to your body. Use a tarp or wheelbarrow instead of carrying heavy bags.

Bottom line: Giving yourself a little extra care goes a long way when doing a strenuous activity you’re not accustomed to.

USER TIP OF THE MONTH

Activity Tracking

Here’s a pro tip for those with activity trackers linked to Motion Connected:
Be sure to log in regularly throughout your wellness program to visit your Dashboard and confirm that your data is syncing properly.

Even if your device is linked, occasional disruptions can happen. If syncing issues arise, don’t worry — just visit our support pages (linked at the bottom of this article) or reach out to our support team for help.

WELLNESS TRENDS

Smarter Wearables, Deeper Insights

While activity tracking is the main focus for MC challenges, today’s wellness tech is going far beyond step counts. The newest generation of smart devices and wearables can now track stress levels, sleep quality, and even nervous system activity, offering a more complete picture of your overall well-being. 


These tools are helping people spot early signs of burnout, improve recovery, and make more informed choices about rest and movement. 

NUTRITION CORNER
​​Nutrition Hack #6
​Switch up your coffee routine

Try replacing one of your daily coffees with a cup of green tea. Green tea provides a steadier energy boost than coffee and is rich in catechins, compounds linked to improved metabolism, heart health, and reduced inflammation. 


You’ll still get a gentle caffeine boost, minus the mid-afternoon crash!

Need help? If you have any questions about your account, our support team is here to help. Email: support@motionconnected.com or visit our support pages to submit a ticket.

Monthly Question: What should Motion Connected participants with a device linked do regularly?

If the Motion Minute newsletter is available in your scorecard, be sure to submit your answer in the scorecard (not below) to earn points.

Motion Connected

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