After a long winter, most of us are itching to get outside and enjoy all of our favorite spring activities. Be prepared as you transition your fitness routine. Here are some tips to keep you on your game…
Where Are You Now: Another year has gone by so make sure you are tuned into your body. Don’t find yourself saying “Well that’s never happened before.” What has your stimulus been like the last few months? More or less sitting? Any illness, tightness, or injuries? Embrace the habit of fine tuning your physical fitness. If you don’t have a strength and flexibility practice, you should start. You’d rather know you have tight hamstrings before you start playing tennis. Try to avoid comparing your current self to the you of yesteryears.
Train For Your Sport or Activity: Whether it’s tennis, golf, gardening, or running, if you personalize training for your activity you’re going to be more successful. If you haven’t swung a golf club in six months, it would be prudent to ensure your hips and trunk can handle the rotational demands before you go play (more than just a few warmup swings at the first tee). Try to dedicate time and thought process to what your body will need for your exercise choice. Gardening demands being low to the ground, pulling, and carrying. Tennis will require explosive starts and stops and fluid forehand and backhand motions. Do your exercise choices prepare you?
Ease Into It: Your first few times back out this season, start slowly. Exercise has its best results with consistency, so giving yourself a warm up period is a smart move. Think about a couple week period to get your body acclimated to the seasonal changes. Running, cycling, golf, and tennis are all repetitive motions. There’s nothing more frustrating than starting the season off with an injury or strained muscle. Have a strategy for your first few times out that will allow you to get back in the swing of things. A mindful approach sets you up for success.
