Once cooler weather arrives, you may want to get back into hiking, biking, and other outdoor activities you may have put on hold during the summer. There’s one thing to keep in mind though: if your activities change, the demands on your body change too.
Jumping straight back into something you haven’t done regularly may leave you with aches, muscle soreness, or irritated tendons. Giving your body time to adjust can make the transition more manageable.
Start at a Lower Gear
When returning to an activity after time away, begin at a lower intensity rather than trying to pick up exactly where you left off.
“If you’re changing activities, start out with a lower intensity. Don’t do it quite as long or quite as hard, and then work your way up and let your body get used to it.”
— Dr. William Kriva
That might mean a shorter bike ride or an easier hike. If an area becomes sore, stop rather than pushing through it. Applying ice to the sore area is another helpful step.
Make Time to Stretch
Stretching before and after activity is another part of preparing for a change in routine.
Before you begin, take some time to warm up and prepare your body for what you’re about to do. Stretching again when you’re finished may help reduce the chance of muscle soreness or tendon irritation as you adjust to your new routine.
It doesn’t need to be complicated. The idea is to avoid going from little activity to full speed without giving your body a chance to prepare.
Remember the Joints Beyond Your Spine
Chiropractic care isn’t limited to the neck and back. Areas such as the shoulders, elbows, wrists, knees, and ankles may also be evaluated and adjusted when appropriate.
Those joints can be especially relevant when you’re changing activities. Hiking, biking, and other forms of exercise place different mechanical demands on different parts of the body.
At Parkview Chiropractic Clinic, care considers how your spine and other joints are functioning so recommendations can be based on what’s found during your evaluation.
Give Your Body Time to Adjust
You don’t have to fit an entire season’s worth of activity into the first cool weekend. Start easier, build gradually, stretch before and after, and pay attention to soreness along the way.
If you’re getting back to activities you haven’t done in a while, the team at Parkview Chiropractic Clinic in Oakdale can evaluate how your spine and joints are moving as you head into a more active fall.