Top Tips from SPEAR physiotherapy for Exercising and Injury Prevention as we move into colder weather.
Often autumn and particularly winter sees a change in our exercise habits as we adapt to less daylight and colder weather. I was going to say unpredictable but actually our weather is never predictable!! Find below some top tips as the weather changes and some injury prevention tactics.
If we run / cycle outdoors we will need to look out more reflective clothing or lights to make sure we stay visible and safe. Maybe pop some bright fluorescent clothing onto your Santa list.
For anyone exercising outdoors some thermal layers can be required on the colder days. Decathlon is a great shout for affordable base layers. Also thermal gloves and a cosy hat can be useful. If it is not you but your children who exercise outdoors, please wrap them up really nice and cosy. As a volunteer coach in my spare time I know cold children are miserable children. What is the saying? There is no such thing as bad weather just poor preparation. Cold muscles are also more susceptible to injury so keep them warm.
Again if exercising outdoors, don’t do your cool down at training or whilst outside. Get yourself home, then cool down and stretch. Warm muscles are happy muscles.
For those opting for the gym in the winter or a change of routine, caw canny initially. Our bodies thrive off change and being excited differently BUT they do not like too much change of load. That may be a different type of load e.g. strength training or increased training to fill in time on dark nights. Put together a plan for gradually increasing the loading and stick to it. Returning to the gym after an injury? Seek advice one of our physio team. Our team have a great gym knowledge and can help you put a return to fitness plan together.
A change in season can also mean a reevaluation of life goals. Do you aspire to work on your core and improve your injury threshold? Pilates can be a great way to do this. At SPEAR we offer group classes, small group classes and 1:1 sessions for those wanting to work on an individualised wellness plan.
In summary the key messages are keep safe, keep warm, make changes gradually and watch fluctuations in training.
At SPEAR you can get ahead for Christmas with present ideas such as vouchers for Physiotherapy treatment, and sports massage. We also sell great stocking fillers such as spikey balls and foam rollers.
Happy training and good luck with all your wellness goals. You got this 🙂
To make an appointment at SPEAR call 01224 900102 or book online www.spearphysiotherapy.co.uk
SPEAR Clinics at The Paul Lawrie Golf Centre, Westhill, ASV and ‘The Shed’ Tarves