So, Where Do You Start?
Most people are coming to understand both the importance and the benefits of
a good warm-up. A correct warm-up will help to raise body temperature, increase
blood flow and promote oxygen supply to the muscles. It will also help to prepare
the mind, body, muscles and joints for the physical activity to come. Click here
for a detailed explanation of how, why and when to perform your warm up.
While warming-up is important, a good cool-down also plays a vital role in helping
to prevent sports injury. How? A good cool-down will prevent blood from pooling
in your limbs. It will also prevent waste products, such as lactic acid, building
up in your muscles. Not only that, a good cool-down will help your muscles and tendons
to relax and loosen, stopping them from becoming stiff and tight.
While preventative measures such as warming-up and cooling-down play a vital role
in minimizing the likelihood of sports injury, other techniques such as obeying
the rules, using protective equipment and plain common sense are all useful.
The One Technique to Cut Your Chance of Injury by More Than Half
So what is this magic technique? Why is it such a secret? And how come you haven't
heard of it before? Well chances are you have, and also, it's not that secret and
it's definitely not magic. You've probably used this technique yourself at some
point or at least seen others using it. But the real question is, how dedicated
have you been to making this technique a consistent part of your athletic preparation?
What is it? STRETCHING! Yes, stretching. The simple technique of stretching can
play an imperative role in helping you to prevent the occurrence of sports injury.
Unfortunately stretching is one area of athletic preparation often neglected. Do
not underestimate its benefits. Don't make the mistake of thinking that something
as simple as stretching won't be effective. Stretching is a vital part of any exercise
program and should be looked upon as being as important as any other part of your
health and fitness.
In recent time the professionals have been getting more and more serious about stretching
and ultimately, their flexibility. The coaches and trainers are just starting to
realize how important flexible muscles are to helping prevent sports injury. Flexibility
has often been neglected in the overall conditioning of modern athletes. It's only
now that its benefits are proving invaluable to all those serious about staying
injury free.