Sport is an enjoyable pastime that also happens to be incredibly healthy. Not only does it help you physically, but playing a sport releases endorphins, helping you to feel mentally stronger too. Although injuries are always a risk, there are some things you can do to minimize the danger.
#1 Wear the right shoes
It might sound simple, but all sports safety starts with the right kind of shoes. These are your foundation and are extremely important. Wearing the wrong type of shoes means less balance, grip and stability. This, of course, equates to a greater risk of trips and falls, causing injuries, so it doesn’t hurt to be prepared and consider wearing a new pair of shoe inserts to give your feet a proper fit and ease. Different kinds of sports demand different types of shoes, ranging from tennis shoes, spiked football shoes and specialized running trainers.
#2 Treat old injuries
Taking to the field with an untreated injury can have disastrous consequences. Not only will it cause older injuries to flare up, but it might also make them considerably worse and do new damage. Instead, treat older injuries and make sure that they’re fully healed before you play again. This might simply involve rest, or you might undertake more comprehensive treatments like those offered by bioxcellerator.com. These procedures will help injuries to heal and ensure that you’re fit to take to the field again.
#3 Warm up and cool down
Simple warm up and cool down routines are vital. There’s a reason that you’ll always see professional athletes undertaking these routines: if the body isn’t properly warm when you start to play, you’re much more likely to sustain an injury. Similarly, a cool down routine after exercise will prevent cramping up the following morning.
#4 Keep hydrated
Hydration is a key component of physical wellbeing. Not consuming enough fluids during exercise will make you ill, but it will also make it much harder for your muscles to function correctly. Your body needs water to work, and muscles need to be properly hydrated. If you don’t drink enough, you’re more susceptible to strains and tears, as well as some more serious injuries. Always keep a bottle of water close at hand. Some athletes go even further and carry electrolyte drinks to ensure that they’re always operating at peak level.
#5 Don’t push too hard
It’s the advice that no athlete wants to hear but it’s important, nonetheless. Most people take to the sports field to push their fitness and endurance levels but pushing too hard risks injury. Set a fitness plan and work your way from one realistic goal to another, building your fitness level as you go. All sports are marathons rather than sprints. Fitness is a long-term journey that can’t be achieved overnight.
#6 Work on flexibility
Flexibility is a core skill lying at the heart of most sports. The more flexible you are, the better your balance and stability, meaning fewer falls and less risk of injury. Although it might seem elusive, flexibility is one of the easier traits to develop. There are numerous exercises that you can work on including stretches, yoga and crunches.
