We have spent many months holed up inside, and yes, Worcester was the runner-up for the Golden Snow Globe award which “honors” the city (with a population of over 100,000) in the US who has received the most snow. That was then, this is now -- the weather is prime for getting out on the weekend to play outdoors, do one of those mud events, participate in barbecue sporting events, start a new running program and …. hurting ourselves…or is it? Here are a few great tips on how to help prevent injury this weekend.
Tip #1 – Know that you just aren’t as good as you used to be
Your mind may feel like you can still do what you did in high school. Sorry to say but if you are like most weekend warriors you are heavier, weaker, and probably a little less dexterous than your brain thinks you are. Know your limitations and start an activity in a scaled back manner especially with a new athletic endeavor, starting off slow will allow your body to get stronger and more accustomed to the activity which will be a good buffer for potential injuries.
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Tip #2 - Don’t skimp on the proper gear
Yes, you may have buzzed around on your bike when you are kid without a helmet, but now you have more responsibility and wisdom (even more so after reading this article) to know that proper gear is important. Proper gear for activities includes a helmet, proper shoes, proper balls, water bottles, and sunscreen among others.
Find out what's happening in Marlboroughwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Tip#3 – Warm up
Years of not working out + a long winter inside + a 60+ hour workweeks in front of a computer + just getting off a lawn chair after drinking a beer + a volleyball court (also be sure to factor in the extra 10-30 pounds) = a recipe for an injury and a sure fire way to be reintroduced to your physical therapist on Monday. Start off easy with any athletic activity and get the muscles and tissues warm, a good indicator of this is a light sweat, this will help lessen your risk of injury.
Tip #4 Take time to recover
Your body no longer to heals and recovers as it once did. Yes, it is true that most people used to bounce back from injuries quickly…when they were in high school. Listen to your body, the running plan you put together at the beginning of the summer is great in theory, but if you are experiencing pain or soreness that is prolonged, listen to your body and take a day or two off, it is not going to kill your training program, in fact, it may help.
Check out the sign at our Shrewsbury location, it will say “ATTN WEEKEND WARRIORS,
WE OPEN 7:00 MONDAY AM FOR YOU”, hopefully you won’t need us, but when you do we’ll be here… 7:00 Monday morning.
