Avoid aching while raking

Choose the right tool. We've found that extra-wide rakes (36 inches) require more downward pressure to drag leaves across a lawn, so we recommend a standard-width (24-inch) rake, ideally one with a soft grip.

Ergonomic rakes, often with a bent handle, are designed to reduce bending but aren't a good fit for everyone. Buy a rake that's comfortable for your height and strength. Before buying, practice raking in the store.

(A speedier alternative to a rake is a leaf blower, which in our competition took half the time to do a similar job.)

Wear shoes with slip-resistant soles, and If needed, apply sunscreen and tick repellent.

Put down a medium-sized (about 8x8 feet) tarp, ideally with rope handles, so you can rake leaves onto it, then pull it to the curb.

The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons has these other tips:

• Pick up any debris that could cause you to trip.
• Stretch and warm up for at least 10 minutes.
• Keep space between your hands on the grip to increase leverage. If the rake lacks padded handles, wear gloves.
• Alternate leg and arm positions, and switch sides.
• To pick up leaves, bend at the knees, not the waist.
• Don't overfill leaf bags.
• Don't twist to toss leaves over a shoulder or to the side.
• Put the rake away. Plenty of people are hurt when they step on a rake by mistake.