Summer is the perfect time to join a softball league, up your hiking game or take a weekend getaway to the lake to swim. Summer is the perfect time to get active and enjoy the outdoors. Summer is the perfect time to explore and try new things! However, summer is definitely not the perfect time to sustain an injury.
When the weather gets warmer and the sun is constantly shining, the parks, trails, outdoor pools and baseball diamonds around Toronto tend to fill up real quick. Not only does the nice weather make people happier, but it typically increases one’s motivation to get active. In the middle of the winter, when it is snowing and -30 degrees outside, it is easy to come up with excuses of the roads being too bad to drive to the gym, the couch being so much more cozy than venturing outdoors or the lack of budget-friendly workout options. Luckily, none of these excuses exist in the summer! In the summer months, walking the dog becomes more enjoyable, biking to work becomes very accessible and there are endless amounts of sport leagues to participate in. For this reason, many people significantly increase their activity levels during this time of year and if not done safely, injury can ensue. Luckily, there are many different ways to take care of your body to prevent injury while increasing your activity levels. Make sure to follow the following 3 tips to enjoy all of your summer activities.
1. Custom Orthotics
Our feet are the base of support for our bodies. If there is something wrong with the foundation, problems will likely develop above. Increases in activity levels and time spent on our feet can lead to a chain reaction of postural changes in the muscles and joints of our lower limb, and even our backs. Custom orthotics work as supports for our feet and ankles to correct any biomechanical imbalances. Consult with your chiropractor if you would like to learn more about how orthotics can benefit you.
2. Gradual Increase in Activity Levels
To prevent shocking our bodies and leading to a state of chaos, gradually increasing exercise and fitness levels will help the body adapt along the way. Whether you are increasing your running distance, turning up the gears on your bike or trying something totally new, graduated and progressive steps will allow for the body to adjust to your new routine while still reaping all of the benefits of your new activity.
3. Be Proactive, Not Reactive
Often times, we seek help when we are in pain or when something in wrong. In order to avoid this, why not work with a chiropractor or other healthcare professional to help prevent the onset of any pain or discomfort. This type of treatment would include movement assessments, looking at areas of weakness and compensation and developing a treatment plan to help us stay healthy and active.
