Chiropractic Care: How Athletes Benefit
Whether you are a novice athlete or been in the sports world for more than half your life, it is important to know the proper ways to take care of your body to stay healthy.
Every type of exercise or sport has its common risks and although this shouldn’t scare you away, you must educate yourself not only about the sport but also about your body.
Know your body
Of course you know your height, weight and shoe size. But knowing your body is more than just the measurements.
In terms of working out, it is vital that you know where your boundaries are when doing a workout and what sports or activities you may have to limit yourself on until you are more conditioned. Whenever starting something new, it is important to start off slow and gradually work up to a more intense and longer workout.
Be aware of previous injuries
Whether it was from childhood or an injury on the job, remembering about certain injuries such as back, neck or knee problems are key to preventing future damage. If you have struggled with a variety of problems with your knee, it wouldn’t be wise to play sports that are high impact on the knees.
Also be aware of the feeling of a good burn and a possible tear, strain or pull. If you ever are not sure, it is best to speak with a doctor before continuing the workout regime.
Proper Warm-up & Cool down Exercises
One of the many reasons why novice athletes (and sometimes experienced athletes) become injured is because they didn’t take the time to warm-up their muscles properly and cool them down after the workout was finished.
Trying to work out on cold and un-stretched muscles is setting yourself up for failure. If you are unaware of the type of stretches necessary for your sport or activity, it’s best to do your own research or talk to a personal trainer about the best stretches to do before and after a workout.
Importance of meals
Yes, eating healthy will benefit your weight and the way you look. But not a lot of people realize the important nutrients such as electrolytes, fiber and protein play in the make-up of the muscles and energy source. Remember that eating well not only helps you to look great, but it’s fueling your body to get the most out of your workout, at a healthy level.
Chiropractic Care
The great thing about chiropractors is that they are not only useful for correcting spine and neck issues. They have great knowledge when it comes to stretching and utilizing your body to reach its greatest achievements.
If you are looking to start up a new sport or gain some more knowledge on your own body, speak with a chiropractor about possible stretches and injury prevention tips that you can implement in your work out.
Used under Creative Commons Licensing courtesy of Lubomir Simek