🧠 Staying Strong in the Shed: 5 Health & Wellbeing Tips Every Shearer Needs

Life in the shearing shed is hard yakka. It’s early mornings, long days, heavy lifting, and mental focus from go to whoa. Whether you’re on the handpiece, handling wool, pressing, penning up, managing the teams or the farm — the work takes a toll.

That’s why looking after your health and well-being isn’t a luxury — it’s a necessity.Here are five practical ways to stay strong in the shed, from start to finish.

💪 1. Warm Up Like a Pro

Before you even pick up the handpiece or start loading the press, give your body a chance to fire up.

• 3–5 minutes of arm circles, shoulder rolls, hip swings or bodyweight squats can prevent injury

• It gets your nervous system firing and keeps you sharper through your first run

• You wouldn’t shear a sheep without checking the gear — same goes for your body

🥗 2. Fuel Smart, Not Fancy

Forget expensive health fads — shed fuel needs to be practical, high-energy and consistent.

• Good protein and carbs = more stamina

• Stay hydrated — even slight dehydration hits focus and energy

• Don’t skip meals. Your body needs fuel to recover between runs

Pro tip: Bananas, nuts, sandwiches, water, and electrolyte sachets are your best mates.

🧠 3. Check In With Your Headspace

Mental health is just as important as physical strength.This is a tough job, and even the best of us can hit a wall.

• Have a yarn with someone if you’re feeling off

• Use downtime to reset (music, a walk, a breather outside)

• Check out Farmstrong or Rural Support Trust — solid, free, and made for our industry

🦵 4. Stretch & Move Between Runs

Injury comes when you go from flat-out to still.Use your breaks to do a quick reset:

• Shoulder rolls

• Stretch calves, back, and hamstrings

• Walk around the shed or paddock a bit — just stay mobile

A few small habits now can save you from serious setbacks later.

🧢 5. Back Each Other

The shed runs better when the crew looks out for each other.

• Notice if someone’s struggling or off their game

• Be the one who says “You all good, mate?”

• Little things — a nod, a smile, a shared snack — they matter

Strong teams aren’t built on numbers and who can do what!

They’re built on respect, teamwork, and pride in the job.

✅ One Last Word

Staying strong in the shed starts with simple habits.You don’t need to be a pro athlete — you just need to look after your body, keep your mind right, and look after your crew.

Catch you back next week — we’re talking shed fitness tips you can actually use!

No fluff. Just real strength, the wool way.

Until next time — stay strong, stay sharp,and keep sharing the strength.

– The Sharing Shed Team (Powered by McSkimming Shearing)