Farmer walking with his dog in a grassy field on an early morning in summer

What’s the best form of exercise?

Fit to Farm: We benefit from some form of resistance training at all levels of our biology, through our daily chores or otherwise

For farmers at any season of life, it’s more important to find ways of exercising that feel practical and attainable, rather than force yourself through some form of exercise that simply doesn’t fit or feel good, athletic therapist Kathlyn Hossack writes.

Man breathing fresh air near the mountains

Simple ways to relieve tension

Fit to Farm: Expectations of stress tee up the body’s tension response — which then sometimes sticks around longer than we need

Farmers and farm workers will often feel tension in their muscles, whether it’s from physical exertion, stress, or even changes in the weather — and treatment of tension can start simple at home.



hole in blue sock Larisa Stefanuyk/iStock/Getty Images

Seasons change, fluids retain

Fit to Farm: Unlike blood, your lymphatic fluids could use your help to overcome gravity

Most of us experience a bit of extra fluid retention occasionally, as “puffiness” in our lower bodies, when weather changes. Gravity naturally keeps lymph fluid down, but gentle movement can help keep it flowing properly.



treating shoulder pain

Understanding shoulder pain

Fit to Farm: If we don’t move in ways that keep the joint stable, our bodies will tense up to hold it in place

Posture, breathing patterns and body maintenance all affect your risk of shoulder pain, one of the most common complaints we see in the clinic.


Imagine breathing in via the feet or seat, up the body and down the body, out via the same anchor point.

In the present tense

Fit to Farm: Stretching isn’t necessarily the answer for tight muscles

Tension is a precursor to conditions such as anxiety, pain, sleep issues and many other health complaints — and is an important early symptom to acknowledge and for which to seek support.