There's No Substitute for Movement
By Donna Stark
The long hours standing in lines at the amusement parks, the back-breaking work taking care of the lawn, the uncomfortable positions tending to the garden ... many people don't realize the toll that summer activities can place on the body. And if your body isn't conditioned for these activities, you could be placing it at an increased risk for injury and pain. There is too much work to do and too much fun to look forward to for you to risk getting hurt, so why don't you do something now to help you avoid that from happening? What would that be? Well, it's daily exercise of course!
Prepare Your Body With Exercise
Daily exercise is a great way to prepare your body for the rigors of the summer season, and for most people, the perfect recipe includes cardiovascular workouts, strength training exercises, and stretches. Take a look at the benefits that come from each one.
- Cardiovascular exercises - Cardiovascular exercises, such as walking, running, swimming, cycling, and hiking help fight osteoporosis, strengthen bones, increase range of motion, and improve heart health. They are easy to incorporate into your daily routine because they don't require specialized skills or equipment.
- Strength training - In addition to building muscle, strength training can aid in weight loss, improve moods, and boost balance. Just be sure you know the proper form before you start lifting weights and if you aren't confident with your technique, ask a professional. This is one area of your workout that you don't want to get wrong because injuries can happen quite easily.
- Stretching - Warming your body up and cooling it down should always be done at the beginning and end of a workout, but don't stop there. Stretching is also a great way to start your mornings! Stretching helps to ease tension, elongate muscles, and improve flexibility.
No Substitute for Movement
Your body was designed for movement and summer is the time to do that. But if you aren't staying physically active beforehand, you could end up causing more problems than you never dreamed about. Even if you are eating healthily and sleeping well, you still need to move, so don't forget to exercise every day. Following the simple tips above will help decrease your likelihood of suffering from common injuries and will keep you engaged with as many summer adventures as you wish to be involved in. Here's to a fun-filled couple of months ahead of you!
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Parma, Ohio.