There’s nothing like the Boston Marathon for inspiring people to start a running regime or some other exercise program. If this includes you, here are some tips!
1. Start SLOW: If it has been a while since you did some serious exercising, don’t expect to be at your peak performance. Your body might be able to handle being pushed to the max, but the consequences could be anything from severe muscle pain to even injury!
2. Warm up FIRST: Keep your muscles happy and healthy, by warming them up before you work out. This can include jogging in place, hopping, side-to-side leg swings, walking lunges, rotating your body side-to-side, and swinging your arms. Do each of these for around 20 seconds each to get your muscles prepared for movement.
3. Stretch AFTER: Stretching should always be done once your body is warmed up… NOT before. So save your stretching for after your workout. Stretching reminds and encourages your muscles to go back to their relaxed state, instead of tightening up into contraction after a good work out. CLICK HERE for some good stretching exercises and suggestions.
4. Drink WATER: Whether or not you feel like you are sweating, when muscles are being used, your body temperature increases, and so does your need for water. Be sure to drink extra water even if you are not thirsty. Once you are thirsty, your body is already dehydrated. If your pee is any darker than light yellow, drink more!
5. LISTEN to your BODY: Does something hurt while you are exercising? Some nagging little pain that you think will go away? Got a funny feeling in your knee, your foot or your shoulder that you want to ignore? Don’t. Listen to your body and don’t push it, cause it can mean an injury later that will prevent you from exercising at all! Be gentle with yourself. And if you are not sure if what you are doing is ok, check with your Doctor, Physical Therapist or other health care provider.
6. Get a MASSAGE: Of course you knew this was coming, right? J Massage is a great way to speed up the recovery of muscles after a tough workout. It improves performance, increases endurance, and aids in muscle health. And it FEELS good! Give us a call today to set up your appointment with one of our amazing therapists!
ENJOY the SPRING!