The year is still very much young, and a lot of us have set goals that we hope to achieve in every area of life. Most of us would have set health goals that we hope to achieve through fitness, our diet and holistic approaches. This article is perfect to inform you and set you in the right state of mind to be able to crush those fitness goals. Keep reading to learn more.
1. Warm up
Before jumping in the pool, hitting the field, or picking up a golf club, take a full 20 minutes – no less – to warm up. Your warmup should include deep breathing exercises, gentle stretching and range of movement exercises, as well as a brisk walk or easy jog to loosen and warm the muscles and joints.
2. Learn proper technique
Learn the right technique for your sport from the beginning. Using the wrong sport-specific technique can create incorrect muscle memory and can make it difficult to break bad habits. Poor technique can also cause injury to your joints and muscles.
3. Use the right equipment
Make sure your equipment is the right fit, height, and capacity for you to avoid a sports-related injury. Recreational athletes should have their equipment professionally fitted and checked before starting out.
4. Avoid Over training
Too much. Too fast. Too soon. Over-training is one of the most common causes of recreational athletic injuries. Take your time and work up to it slowly before pushing yourself too hard. Remember – rest is as important as training.
5. Strength training
Strength training will help you keep your spine and other body joints functioning optimally. It will also build muscle that is an important shock absorber and helps to prevent strains and sprains.
6. Muscle & Joint Function
Maintaining good muscle and joint range of motion will contribute to your performance and help prevent injury. Restrictions in muscle and joint functioning can hamper your technique and lead to painful strains and sprains.
7. Cool Down
Cooling down after a workout is just as important as warming up. Take 20 minutes for a brisk walk or slow jog and stretch out your muscles and joints before heading for the change room or the car.
8. Drink Fluids
Drink plenty of fluids before, during and after physical activity – even in cold weather. Remember that once you are thirsty, you are already starting to dehydrate. Dehydration affects your energy level and your physical functioning.
9. Treat Injuries Promptly
If you suffer an injury or experience pain that lasts longer than your usual post-workout soreness, ice the area to reduce swelling and inflammation, and consult a chiropractor.
If you are experiencing pain, or want to explore the benefits of chiropractic, please send an email to info@evolvevancouver.ca to book one of our experienced chiropractors. Please note that any advice given in this article does not replace personalized advice from a professional.