Abstract: Apparatus and methods for improving a shovel-like implement are disclosed. A foot pedal or more than one foot pedal is mounted to or formed upon the blade of the shovel. In different embodiments, the foot pedals may be mounted to the head of the blade, to the side of the blade or to a surface of the blade. In some embodiments a foot pedal is removably attachable to the blade. In some embodiments, there is substantially no relative motion between the foot pedal and the blade. The foot pedal is ideally positioned to maximize the application of force through the foot pedal to the blade in the desired direction. The foot pedal is also ideally dimensioned to minimize injury and soreness to the foot.