By Dr. Ira Shapiro
Director, Plaza Chiropractic Center
Old Bridge
The days are getting longer. In a few short weeks spring will be in the air.
Good for you if you spent the winter hiking, taking long walks, at the gym, or just staying active overall.
If not, it’s time to get on the move. For many, spring represents the end of a dark, cold winter spent indoors. The signal to get out and start doing things again.
Some people enjoy gardening, biking and golf. Others, softball, running or tennis.
The truth is it doesn’t matter as long as you enjoy what you’re doing.
The problem, however, is that far too many people think they can jump right back in after months of inactivity. Sorry life just doesn’t work that way. An annual study by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services found that nearly 8.6 Americans suffered sports-related injuries in a single year a few years ago.
Unfortunately, some injuries are perfectly unavoidable. Step the wrong way. Unexpectedly collide with someone. Fall or tumble. Sometimes it just happens. No one’s fault. Life can be both unfair and unpredictable.
Other problems, however, can definitely be prevented with some care and forethought. No matter who you are, it can be pretty much guaranteed that you are a year older than last year. And, unless you worked out regularly all winter without injury or setbacks, diving head first into any sport or physical activity is a sure-fire recipe for months filled with aches, pains, strains, sprains and little gain or comfort.
That’s why properly warming up before virtually any exercise routine is one of the most important investments you can make in your health at any age. People far too often fail to take the time needed to prepare for exercise. A proper warm up will not only ease the body into these activities, but also gradually increase the blood flow necessary to warm muscles and enhance flexibility. Consequently, muscles that are subjected to abrupt starts and stops without preparation are more likely to suffer all forms of muscle, ligament and tendon damage.
In addition, never stretch cold muscles. Many people consider stretching and warming up as one and the same. The fact is they should be approached as two distinct facets of any workout. It is always best to stretch warm muscles to avoid injury. Again, this means starting with some form of basic aerobic exercise to increase the body’s temperature and then gradually stretching relaxed muscles to increase range of motion.
Next, start slow and build up. Pick the cliché. They all make sense. Life is not a sprint. It’s marathon. Better safe than sorry. No brain. No gain.
Well, they’re all true. At any stage of life, it’s best to prevent what you can. Unless you are blessed by the heavens, you will most likely suffer some form of injury at some point. But why tempt fate? Think ahead. Be smart. Enjoy yourself. But, look before you leap.
For more information on creating better, fitter and healthier lives for the entire family, contact the Plaza Chiropractic Center at 732-723-0023 or visit www.plazachiro.com.