How to Prepare Your Body for Watersports and Avoid Injuries
Summer is here, and that means it's time for some fun in the water! Whether you love swimming, surfing, kayaking, or any other watersport, it’s important to keep your body safe and injury-free. Watersports are exciting, but they can sometimes lead to injuries if you’re not careful. Here’s a simple guide to help you get ready for watersports and avoid getting hurt.
Common Watersport Injuries
Before we dive into the tips, let's talk about some common injuries that can happen during watersports.
Shoulder Injuries: Using your arms a lot, like when swimming or paddling, can cause shoulder problems such as rotator cuff tears and dislocations.
Knee Injuries: Twisting your knees while wakeboarding or skiing can lead to tears and dislocations.
Back Injuries: Your back muscles do a lot of work when you're kayaking or windsurfing, which can lead to strains and sprains.
Ankle Injuries: Jumping and landing hard while surfing or wakeboarding might cause sprains and fractures.
Wrist and Hand Injuries: Holding equipment tightly, like paddles or surfboards, can lead to sprains and even fractures.
To Stay Safe, here’s how you can get your body ready for the water and reduce your risk of injury:
Get Strong and Flexible:
Exercise Regularly: Work on strengthening your muscles and improving your flexibility. You can do exercises like push-ups, squats, and stretches. Try to focus on your shoulders, knees, back, and ankles since those areas are commonly injured in watersports.
Warm Up Properly: Before you hit the water, make sure to do a good warm-up. Stretch your arms, legs, and back to get your body ready for action.
Practice Good Techniques:
Learn the Right Moves: Take the time to learn the correct techniques for your watersport. Whether it’s swimming, surfing, or kayaking, knowing the right way to move can help you avoid injuries.
Use Safety Gear: Always wear the right safety equipment like life jackets, helmets, or pads. This gear helps protect your body if you fall or bump into something.
Listen to Your Body:
Rest When Needed: If you start to feel tired or sore, take a break. Pushing through pain can make injuries worse.
Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water before and after your activities to keep your muscles working well.
Try Neuromuscular Training:
Balance and Coordination: Practice exercises that improve your balance and coordination. This can help you stay steady on your feet and avoid falls.
Have a Plan in Case of Injury:
Know What to Do: If you do get hurt, it's important to have a plan. Know where the nearest medical help is and keep your emergency contacts handy.
Talk to Experts: Don't hesitate to ask for help from coaches or healthcare professionals if you're unsure about how to prepare or recover from an injury.
Getting ready for watersports is all about preparation and safety. By working on your strengthand flexibility, using proper techniques, and listening to your body, you can enjoy a fun and safesummer on the water. Most importantly, don't forget that at The Centre For Complementary Heath, we have a competent and effective team in place to help. The bottom line is that taking care of yourself means you can keep having fun while reducing the chances of getting hurt, So grab your gear, head to the water, and have an amazing time with your favourite watersports!
Blog by Amanda Ager. If you'd like to book an appointment today, please contact us.
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