Clinic Story of the Month – Safe Exercise
No more winter excuses! It’s time to get out and exercise!
Here are some suggestions and safety tips:
SWIMMING—great to keep cool, and is gentle on your back
GOLFING—less strenuous for very hot days
CANOEING—great upper body workout
BIKING—for a lower body emphasis
TENNIS—social, excellent all-over-body exercise
HIKING—a scenic and vigorous workout
Try to get in the recommended exercise of 150 minutes/week to reduce disease risk
SAFETY TIPS:
Exercising in heat—
- Drink plenty of water BEFORE, DURING, and AFTER exercise.
- Take breaks in the shade.
- Electrolyte drinks will help replace minerals lost during sweating.
- When it is >80 degrees and/or very humid, take extra precautions
- Use alcohol cautiously in hot weather
- Wear sunscreen!
Avoid sports injuries—Summer can lead to increased activity that at times can be TOO MUCH, TOO SOON, and TOO FAST.
Warm up and start slow, especially if you are out of practice.
Use the proper equipment for function and safety, including quality shoes
Don’t overdue it! Pay attention to what your body is telling you: pain, trouble breathing or talking, nausea, dizziness, area signs that you are harming yourself.
ABOVE ALL, HAVE FUN!!