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Springtime

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Springtime

Springtime, spring fever, spring in your step.   These are all things that pop into our heads with the change in weather to warmer temperatures and days that are becoming longer.  With that we feel a need to revisit our outdoor activities.  Whether it’s participating in sports, recreational activities or yard maintenance there is an inane desire to be doing something outside.  This is all good in that any activity is beneficial to your physical and mental health, but we would like to caution you to take it slow and prevent injury.

Our brains remember where we were physically and at what intensity level we could push to.  The unfortunate truth is that our bodies don’t remember this, especially so as we age.

With a little common sense, resolve and precaution you can take advantage of the nicer weather to improve your physical and mental health without having to deal with an injury throughout the summer that you incur now.  It is important to allow your bodies time to adjust to this increase in activities. 

Good Springtime Habits:

  • Warm-up and stretching:

    Jogging

    • Touching your toes or stretching your hamstring is not enough before you go for a run. Dynamic stretching is preferred over static stretching.  Click Here for more info.

  • Gradually increase activity:

    • Give your body time to adapt to the lack of activity that occurred over the winter. Walk before running.  Biking on a path before the trail.  Play 9 holes before 18.  Play 1 set before 3 sets of tennis.

  • Proper Hydration:

    Biking

    • It is essential to remember to properly hydrate before, during and after exercising. Don’t let the more mild temperatures fool you that you are not sweating or that your muscles don’t need the fluids.  Click here for more info.

  • Nutrition:

    • As always a proper diet is an integral part of your physical and mental well health. Click here for more info.

Even after all these precautions you still may find yourself with a potential injury.  If you have more than mild soreness that lasts longer than a week, you may have a true injury.  If this persists call us so we can promote a quick recovery.