It’s always difficult exercising after a long break, and it can even be frustrating if–after this break–you find yourself on the sidelines yet again. Too many people try to do too much when coming back from an injury layoff or simply a layoff caused by life being life and getting in the way. If you want to end this frustrating cycle once and for all, you need tips to overcome recurring injuries to ensure you’re at your best, whether you’re going to the gym, for a run, or getting back to your favourite team sport.
5 Tips to Overcome Recurring Injuries
#1: Find Out Why These Injuries Happen
Injuries are some of the most frustrating problems for people who want to exercise but cannot because their bodies will not listen. Even when you feel good, it only takes one small twist to send you down again. Visiting a sports podiatrist or similar professional can help you understand why these injuries occur and help you establish a treatment and training plan to strengthen the area and ensure you can overcome your injury issues entirely.
#2: Take It Easy At First
Once you finally get back on track (or wherever you exercise), you may be tempted to prove to others and yourself that you can still go as hard as you used to. However, this is the worst thing you can do. Even if you think you can do it, hitting the pavement as intensely as you used to will only cause problems. Instead, you need to ease into it and rebuild your fitness, strength and conditioning to ensure you don’t suffer an injury too early.
#3: Stretch Better Before and After
Stretching is a vital aspect of any activity as it helps you loosen and warm up your muscles to prevent strains and other injuries. Improving your stretching routine before and after your workout helps avoid injuries as well as aches and pains caused by lactic acid buildup.
#4: Embrace Rest Days
People who are new to fitness assume that they need to work out every day to see results. However, this puts too much strain on their body. Instead, you need to take more effective rest days and embrace how they benefit you. It doesn’t mean you should stay stationary, but going for a walk or a short, easy recovery run can do wonders for your health and fitness and give your muscles the chance to recover and rebuild.
#5: Try Something New
If your body simply refuses to let you do the same activities you used to, it might be time to accept that your days of competitive activity are over, at least in the way that you’re used to. This doesn’t mean you have to abandon sport altogether. Instead, look for something new. There are plenty of low-impact exercises and sports for you to try, which can give the same rush and thrill as you’re used to without the risk of injury.
Feeling Fine
Injuries can happen to anyone at any time. Sometimes, they are unavoidable, but you can prevent most injuries. These tips to overcome recurring injuries should help you finally get to the bottom of your issues and hopefully help you establish a better approach to your health, fitness and wellbeing.
