The summertime brings with it a medley of outdoor activities to participate in and enjoy. There’s tennis, swimming, softball, hiking, sea kayaking, canoeing, sailing, and a host of other popular pleasures. Before you head out the door, nonetheless, it is important to keep in mind that most activities require a few precautionary steps to help ward off strains, muscle pulls, and other types of injuries. Here are some measures to consider in enhancing your outdoor safety.
- Warm ups and cool downs. Some people think they only need to warm up and cool down before hitting or leaving the gym, but warm ups and cool downs are important when participating in most activities. For example, if you are rowing a canoe, your arms are physically involved in a workout. If you are hiking Mount Monadnock, your legs are actively working. If you are swimming, many muscle groups are engaged. A great way to prepare for assorted activities? Stretching. Proper stretching increases flexibility, improves motion range, and diminishes the risk of injury; it also helps to boost performance. Another suggestion? Walking. Walking is extremely beneficial in both warming up and cooling down.
- Proper hydration. Our bodies need to be properly hydrated to work at optimal performance. When we are physically active, we deplete liquid through our pores (i.e., sweat); unsurprisingly, this happens even when we are stationary, particularly if it is exceedingly warm. If we lose too much fluid and do not replace it, then our muscles, concentration, performance, blood flow, energy, and other bodily functions pay the price. Because of this, it is important to keep water with you at all times. Naturally, you do not want to over-drink because that has its own set of issues (like a reduction in sodium levels), but it is crucial to stay sufficiently hydrated.
- Correct technique and shoes. Each sport has a right and wrong way to perform its moves. For example, softball and tennis involve the proper swing form, kayaking and canoeing involve accurate rowing movements, hiking and running involve the correct leg motions; for that reason, it makes sense to learn the proper technique for the respective activity. At the same time, the right shoes are vital. Shoes that are too big, too small, lacking in support, or ill designed can result in strains, injury, or disastrous consequences.
Summer is here, and the wonderful weather is upon us. A few precautionary measures can help keep everyone reveling in the fun.