4 Outdoor Sports Tips This Spring
4 Outdoor Sports Tips This Spring
We’ve all been patiently waiting for the warm weather to make its lasting appearance this season. With spring finally in the air, recreational sports and outdoor activities are on our minds. We’ve prepared some quick tips to prepare your body for this sports season.
Get a physical.
If you haven’t had one already, it’s the perfect time to get one. Even if you feel fine, it’s a good idea to see your doctor and keep your health in check. Physical exams and screenings by a physician can help you prevent diseases and stay healthy. Especially if you plan to be involved in any rigorous sports activities this spring, be sure to have a doctor clear you first.Get stretching.
Many people underestimate the power of stretching when playing sports, but stretching can help you reduce injury and even increase your performance ability. By stretching your muscles, you help decrease the likelihood of stressing out the muscles and causing an injury. If you are training for a particularly taxing sports event or season, it may be a good idea to work with a local physical therapist to better target the right muscle areas.
Warm up.
While warming up before playing sports often includes some stretching exercises, it is important to not only stretch, but to actively warm up and ease into physical activity. By warming up, you allow your body to prepare for the sport you are about to play, gradually increasing your heart rate instead of jumping right in. By gradually increasing the heart rate, you improve circulation of blood to your muscles.
Stay hydrated.
While it may not be the middle of the summer quite yet, it is just as important to stay hydrated. By drinking water before, during and after you play sports, you are hydrating your body properly. When you don’t drink enough water, and are sweating, you set yourself up for dehydration which can cause dizziness, fatigue, rapid heart rate and an overall decrease in performance.
