My secret to staying healthy over the winter pruning season can be summed up as “avoiding Boom-and-Bust through a gradual build-up to ease into the pruning season”:

1. Use the right tools for the job: There’s no avoiding the reality that to prune the 27,500 Pinot Noir vines at Fancrest Estate I’m going to need some help. In my case I use electronic secateurs, but even so, keeping them well lubricated and viciously sharp will keep the strain off my wrists, elbows  and shoulders.
2. Maintain Physical Fitness: Training specifically for pruning is difficult as the tasks are so complex and varied, but maintaining good overall fitness is critical. The hills at Fancrest Estate are a good test of aerobic fitness!
3. Start Slowly: I begin with what seems like ridiculously short pruning sessions. Maybe just a couple of hours a day initially. Over the first fortnight, I gradually increase my time among the vines to avoid repetitive strain.
4. Increase Gradually: I gradually build up the intensity and duration of my pruning sessions. By week 3 I have usually worked up to a half day of fairly intensive pruning allowing my body to adapt to repetitive motions.
5. Listen to Your Body : I pay careful attention to signs of fatigue. Rest when needed.
6. Schedule Rest Days : While it’s tempting to keep going as long as the weather remains fine, it’s important to incorporate rest days into my scheduleto let my muscles recover.

I constantly rtemind myself that mindful pruning minimizes the risk of repetitive strain injuries (RSI)! 🍇🌿🪒