For outdoor sports enthusiasts, winter is the most wonderful time of the year for more than one reason. Between skiing, snowboarding, sledding, tubing, ice-skating, snowshoeing, and so much more, adrenaline junkies are bound to have overflowing itineraries during the frozen season.
Of course, as with any sport, there is a considerable risk of injury. This is especially true with seasonal hobbies and activities you don’t train for all year. It’s important to prevent injuries before hitting the slopes so you don’t get sidelined by an injury (and miss out on all this sweet yet fleeting season has to offer). These tips can help you stay safe and healthy.
Warm Up
Always stretch out and warm up your muscles before doing any winter activity. Light exercise, like jumping jacks or a half mile on a treadmill, can also help.
Know Your Limits
If you’re tired, call it a day. A lot of people are injured when they’re trying to go for one last mile of trekking or one last run down the slope. You’re more likely to fall, to crash, and to otherwise get injured in the process if you’re exhausted and your guard is down. Know your limits, and understand that the cold weather could cause you to reach them sooner.
[Related: Chiropractic Care for Athletes-End Joint Pain!]
Keep Hydrated
Remember to keep hydrated. This is easy to forget when it’s cold. Thirst is not as obvious as it is when you’re sweating and running in 90-degree summer weather. But adequate water intake is just as important to avoid dehydration.
Dress Appropriately
Dress properly. You need warm clothes, but you also want clothes that don’t restrict your range of motion and maintain breathability.
Check Your Gear
Make sure skates are tied tight and laced all the way up; double-check the boots and bindings on your skis and snowboards. You’ll also want to ensure you have the right safety gear as well. That means helmets for snowboarding, skiing, and hockey. You may even choose to wear a helmet while tubing and sledding.
Have a Friend Close By
Of course, sometimes injuries are unavoidable. If you are hurt, ask a buddy to find medical attention as quickly as possible. Participating in winter sports with friends is critical, as you don’t want to be alone in case of injury or any other sticky situation.
Even after initial care, it’s wise to seek post-injury treatment such as chiropractic sports medicine to help get you back on your feet, promote whole-body healing, and prevent lasting issues.
Be safe out there this year, and remember to keep the winter fun going strong for years to come by preventing and caring for any injuries! Contact us today to talk about what we can do to help.