Hockey challenges the body in several ways, and as an intensely physical sport, it demands high performance and the ability to take some hits. Getting on the ice requires a superior level of cardiovascular conditioning as well as strength, power, and muscular endurance. Even at the recreational level, you need to have these physical characteristics, hand-eye coordination, and game strategy and tactics. Given the time and energy you devote to hockey, you don’t want to be sidelined by the aches and pains that come with the hits, crashes into the boards, and wipeouts on the ice. Whether it’s an on-ice practice session or a game, always follow through with some aftercare. Taking the time to look after your body will keep you on the ice and off the bench. By checking in on your body, you can take corrective action before your next game.
Whether you are looking forward to skiing or snowboarding, now is the time to get your gear and body tuned up! With only a few months until the snow flies, preparation should begin with a thorough check-in on your most valuable and irreplaceable piece of equipment, your body. Inspect all of your winter sports gear, and that includes ensuring your body has the conditioning, support, and comfort it needs to get the most out of your time on the ski hill.
Most physical activities and sports involve the ankle, even swimming, and cycling. The link between a robust and powerful leg and the foot’s action is a crucial part of our performance. We use our ankles to land on, kick with, finesse a ball, and move our body through all movement planes. Its physical load is enormous. We cannot walk, drive, play sports, or do household tasks without involving the ankle joint. When injured, our reliance on the ankle becomes painfully apparent, and we realize that we often take this critical joint for granted.
Soccer is an intensive, gut-busting, cardiovascular workout that engages the entire body with massive movement patterns originating at the torso, hips, and knees. When we consider our body’s readiness to play soccer, attention must be given to the lower body’s strength and flexibility.
Some of the more common aches and injuries while mountain biking occurs at the shoulders, wrists, and ankles. It’s imperative that you evaluate these joints and their supporting muscles for serious injury and get these assessed and treated before hitting the trails. It’s essential to take the time to strengthen and stretch your muscles to improve performance and prevent injuries. Just as your bike requires regular maintenance and equipment upgrades, so too does your body.
Some of us are still stuck with quarantine these days and have plenty of spare time to use for something more beneficial. So, why don’t you take advantage of this opportunity to spend some on yourself and lose extra body fat? The opportunity is right in front of you, and all you have to do is jump in.
