In Wednesday's Simplicity Tips, NewsChannel5's Barbara Meek showed us how to lift things properly to avoid unnecessary back pain.

Meek said that you should get close to the item that you are lifting.

She said that you should place your feet shoulder-width apart, you should bend your knees and you should use your leg muscles.

Once the object is lifted and you need to change direction, you should point your toes where you are headed and then turn your body in that direction.

When you are putting something on a shelf, you should move close to it instead of extending your arms out.

Meek also said that you should take your time. Trying to lift heavy objects in a hurry is a fast way to end up with a hurt back.