I looked up the word strain in Webster's dictionary the other day.
Websters give the definition of strain as: 1.
to exert to the utmost-to strain one's ears to catch a sound.
I agree and this definition is valid but being a professional mover I would like to change the words "to strain one's ear" to "to strain one's back".
If Webster needs a picture of the the one single event that captures the meaning of the word strain, it could easily tag along with me on moving day.
That one photo would have the meanings of the words strain, sweat, struggle, and stress.
Luckily, there are moving tools that will reduce the burden of moving heavy furniture, and the forearm forklift is one of the best.
How does the forearm forklift reduce the strain on the lower back while moving furniture? Actually the strain is not reduced, but is placed on a less vulnerable area of the body, the forearms.
After moving heavy furniture, the forearms will be sore and tender, but there should be no long term effects due to the weight being placed on the forearms.
I've read reviews of the forearm forklift and one negative comment comes to mind: "My sofa was still heavy with the assistance of the forearm forklift", this commenter obviously doesn't know that the fundamental reason for the forklift is not to eliminate heavy weight, but to distribute that heavy weight to the forearms.
I think the inventor of the forearm forklift made a wonderful moving tool to help with heavy furniture.
It did help that the inventor was once a mover himself, and he realized he needed a moving strap that was flexible, convenient, and added back protection.
I like to wear a back brace with the forearm forklift, because a back brace will give even more protection for the lower back.
The back can not be over-protected while moving heavy furniture.
If moving anything heavy, keep the back straight, keep the knees bent, keep the pathway clear, and always have a set of the forearm forklift on stand by.