The Basic One Person Lift

For lifting of larger objects such as a box of books, the basic lift should be practiced as follows:

  1. Take a balanced stance with your feet about a shoulder-width apart. One foot can be behind the object and the other next to it.

  2. Squat down to lift the object, but keep your heels off the floor. Get as close to the object as you can.

  3. Use your palms (not just your fingers) to get a secure grip on the load. Make sure you'll be able to maintain a hold on the object without switching your grip later.

  4. Lift gradually (without jerking) using your leg, abdominal and buttock muscles and keeping the load as close to you as possible.

  5. When you put a load down, use these same guidelines in reverse.