Has the festive period taken its toll and you are starting 2018 determined to be fitter and healthier?
If so you are not alone as January always sees a surge in gym membership with people wanting to lose some unwanted weight or a new year resolution for a healthier lifestyle. In recent years, itÂ’s not just gyms that have see this seasonal increase, extreme programmes such as boot camps are popular too.
The problem is that taking on exercise regimen your body is not used to can take its toll and the British Chiropractic Association urges people to prepare before embarking on their exercise programme.
According to research by the BCA, exercise is the trigger for 30% of those experiencing back or neck pain. For people embarking on an exercise regime, especially one that is new, the risk of suffering neck or back pain can be higher, so it is important to be well prepared.
The BCA have shared their top tips for avoiding physical injury when starting new exercise regimes or boot camp-style programmes this new year:
- Seek professional advice to check that there are no medical reasons why you should not exercise, particularly if you are not normally physically active.
- Remember to warm up and warm down before and after any activity. Start with less strenuous activity like walking or jogging and finish with some light stretches at the end of an exercise session this may help minimise muscle stiffness and reduce the chance of muscle strain.
- Keep well hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids before, during and after exercise this will help your muscles work more efficiently and will reduce aches and pains after exercise.
- Make sure you wear the right attire for your chosen activity. Wearing tight clothes when exercising could constrict your movement and lead to injury.
- Wear appropriate footwear for the type of exercise you are doing most specialist sportswear retailers will be able to advise you on this.
- If you are enrolling in a gym, make sure you receive training on any equipment and if you are signing up to a programme, try and make sure you get proper training, advice and ongoing supervision.
If you are suffering from new year aches and pains as a result of gym work or any other cause, visit us at C3. Call us on 02920 627888 / 01656 663999 to book an appointment.