snow shoveling and your back

Winter. Snow. That means shoveling. And this winter, on the east coast at least, there is a LOT of shoveling.
Treat shoveling as you would a workout. Warm up before you head out. Warming up means move your joints around (big arm circles for your shoulders; "hula hoops" for your hips).
Stretch the muscles. Do some butt kicks. Touch your toes (or try to!) Do some back bends.
Once outside, lift small batches of snow, and use your legs to heave the pile to its ultimate location (preferably Florida).
Take breaks and stretch.
Once inside, stretch again.