After a long, cold winter, it’s no wonder we all want to get out of the house the first chance we get. What we tend to forget is that our bodies, just like everything else in nature, need time and TLC to readjust to the warm months coming. Use the tips below to ensure your healthiest spring yet!
- Start Slow – Unless you’re a snowboarder or winter sport enthusiast, you probably aren’t spending ample amounts of time outside in the winter. If you’re going to do any outdoor activities, make sure you’re stretching before AND after to warm up the body and prevent injury. You should mix up your workouts between indoors and outdoors to make sure you maintain good balance, especially if you run on a treadmill and plan to run outside where the terrain may not be level.
- Spring Cleaning – It’s nice to freshen up when springtime rolls into town, but it’s important to be careful when taking on your chores and home projects. Make a list and tackle things one by one instead of trying to do everything in a day. Use long grabbing tools and the right height ladder to make your movements less strenuous. Be conscious of how much and how far you’re twisting or bending when lifting objects or pulling those spring clothes down from the attic. Keep boxes and baskets, especially heavy ones, at an easy-to-reach level and remember to lift from the knees, not the back.
- Yard Work – Gardening, lawn mowing, cleaning out the gutters – these activities can all put tremendous strain on our shoulders, neck, back and knees. Repetitive actions cause our muscles to strain, leading to pain and swelling. Make sure you’re using tools with long handles and remain conscious of your posture. Get a foam pad if you plan to do work while on your knees, and stand up every 15 minutes or so to stretch.
And as with everything, listen to your body! Take frequent breaks, stay hydrated and do more of the things that make you happy. For more tips and updates, follow Game Shape Physical Therapy today!
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