Chiropractic Fitness Tips:- Warm-Ups and Cooldowns
By Sandy Schroeder
We all have the message. The more we move the better off our minds and bodies will be, but not so fast. Before you sprint down the block or begin lifting weights, there are some crucial steps to keep you injury-free.
You may be a veteran pro or a brand new beginner, but diving into exercise with “cold” muscles can trigger injuries. Each workout needs to begin with a warm-up and finish with a cool-down, according to Harvard Health’s doctors.
Next Step - See Your Chiropractor
Another fitness step worth taking is a visit to The Joint Chiropractic clinic near you. The Joint’s licensed chiropractors help people of all ages achieve health, wellness and fitness on a regular basis.
When you come in, your chiropractor will assess your spinal health and your fitness levels to put together a program that works well for you.
A gentle targeted spinal adjustment may relieve joint pain and generate an overall sense of well-being. Weekly 15-minute spinal adjustments might be the best way to stay at your peak as you pursue fitness routines which should all begin with warm-ups and finish with cooldowns.
What Your Warm-Up Should Do
A good warm-up should take at least 5 to 10 minutes and exercise all of the major body muscle groups, according to Harvard Health. The goal is to pump oxygen-rich blood to the muscles as the heart rate and breathing begin to accelerate. Begin slowly and gradually move faster. You may want to do a cardio warm-up or a range-of-motion one with lunges and jumping jacks. Or you can dance to a few tunes or simply walk in place swinging your arms.
What Your Cooldown Should Do
After a great gym workout or a focused run it, is wise to take 5 to 10 minutes to let your system cool down to avoid muscle cramps and dizziness, and return to a normal heart rate. A good cooldown routine includes range-of-motion stretching movements that ease and lengthen muscles. Hold each stretch 10 to 30 seconds, the longer the better, and try to blend one stretch into the next one.
When you are ready to move to the next level in health and fitness stop by The Joint Chiropractic clinic near you. Everything is simple at The Joint. Affordable personal healthcare plans require no insurance and flexible weekend and evening hours are available. No appointments are needed.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Chicago, Ill.