A lifting implement, such as a shovel has a handle and a load bearing member. The handle includes an articulated joint dividing the handle between a major portion and a lever portion. The lever is adapted to pivot within the range of an acute angle relative to the handle profile. The lever and the major portion of the handle each have a means for mounting a resilient member therebetween, where the resilient member is capable of absorbing shock and storing energy when urged by the pivoting of the lever within the range during the motion of lifting a load, and which stored energy is released when the load is being heaved by the implement. The handle may include a hand grip and a gripping portion on the major portion spaced from the articulated joint such that a triangle is formed with the hand grip, the gripping portion and the articulated joint at the apex of the triangle, wherein the apex of the triangle.