A Guide To Getting Back To Your Summer Activities

Getting back out on the green or out on the sports field can be an exciting time, but if you're not prepared, it can lead to a summer spent on the sidelines instead of doing what you love. It's easy to stay sedentary over the winter, but when it comes time to rejoin the activities we love, our bodies aren't used to the movement, leading to potential injury and pain. That is why it is crucial to plan and prepare for any sort of summer activity well before it happens!

1. Start ASAP

   Get ahead of the weather and start your conditioning now! Whether you're gearing up for hiking, swimming, or any sport, a gradual approach is key. Don't rush it, and begin slowly, with the understanding that you might not be at the same level you were last time you did the activity. Be sure to monitor your body for pain, potential injuries, or any sign that your conditioning program needs to be altered. Think about the movements required for your activity. For example, if you play soccer, your first run should not be chasing the ball during a game. Build a plan that takes into account the mobility, strength, and conditioning needs for your activity. This should be weeks ahead, not days ahead.

   
   

2. Listen To Your Body

   Who doesn't want to get back to doing what they love immediately, with no conditioning or warm-up? We definitely understand the urge to go full-throttle when it comes to beloved sports, especially considering Edmontons relatively short warm periods. However, by ignoring your body's needs and signs of pain, you might end up with injuries that will take much longer than a summer to treat. Remember, its okay to rest, take it slow, and alter exercises to suit your needs. Pushing through pain is a great way to ensure you play in pain all summer long...

   
   

3. Fitness With Friends

   By making a plan with another person or a group, you're more likely to stick to it. Plus, exercising with friends doubles as quality time together. Pick a date and time, find a space, and achieve your fitness goals together! As well, friends can help to spot your movements and provide moral support, a must when coming out of winter hibernation into an active summer. This is a great way to help you with consistency which is more important than intensity when you are getting back to activity after a lay off or even changing from an indoor to an outdoor activity.

4. Be Realistic

   It can be tempting to wish you could just regain your ability and skills, but after a prolonger period of inactivity, it will take your body a while to acclimate to the heightened activity level. Be patient with yourself, and set realistic goals. It's unlikely that you will go from relaxing neighbourhood walks to running a marathon in a week, but if you establish a reasonable training schedule, you will have attainable goals to look forward to and achieve.

As you plan for your summer activities, remember that preparation is the key to a successful season. Start your conditioning early, ease back into your activities, and don't hesitate to see a physiotherapist or seek professional guidance when needed. Summer is a time to embrace the outdoors and the activities that bring us joy - lets make the most of it!

Our team can help you look at your activity and your goals for participation and help you on your journey. Whether it is dealing with that sore elbow that didn't go away at the end of gold season, helping set up a program to get you back to soccer, or on that long hike in the mountains, we can help!