Lifting properly not only protects your body, but allows you to lift more weight safely.   Lifting correctly is something that has to be learnt rather than coming naturally.  It involves a great deal of body awareness which comes through repition and guidance.   The basics of good lifting technqiue involve:

• Good Posture (pelvic neutral, knees slightly bent, chest out etc)
• Lifting with your knees and hips – never your back and sometimes your arms.
• Keeping the object close to your body
• Using your body weight where possible
• Avoiding twisting – back, knees, hips etc
• Setting up the environment prior to the lift
• Wearing good footwear
• Having good balance
• Maintaining good fitness and strength
• Using other people or assistive devices where possible.