As an athlete, you ask a lot of your body. You are constantly pushing it to its limits, telling it not to quit, and then repeating the process for the next game, match, or challenge. Your body will give you all it can, but it has its limits.
There are a few steps you can take if you want to take care of your body and make sure it keeps going no matter what you throw at it.
Follow these tips for better bodily care that will pay off.
#1) Ease Into Different Exercises
You might think that because you are a champion runner you can hop on a bike and try other types of cardio without any problems. However, each form of exercise requires different muscle groups and different approaches to succeed. If you want to try another form of exercise, whether you are training in the ocean or taking a yoga class, take it easy. Start slowly and let your body get used to what is expected of it. You will avoid injury and learn to love that exercise even more.
#2) Value Quality Over Quantity
We’ve all seen the montages of Rocky running up the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, pumping iron, and training endlessly. While there’s no doubt that hours in the gym equate to progress, athletes also need to consider the quality of the workout that they’re getting. It is better to do a targeted workout for a short period of time than to waste several hours working on the wrong muscle groups or continuously pounding cardio.
#3) Join a Running Club or Other Social Activity
One of the best parts of the Tampa Bay Area is our social groups and our desire to get outside. There is free yoga in the park on Sundays and running clubs like Running for Brews that incorporate our top breweries into their run paths. If you want to explore light exercises and physical activity in a fun way, look for these social groups. You can build good mental health along the way by making friends and meeting new people.
#4) Explore Chiropractic Care
Even social athletes can feel crushed when faced with an injury. They may require surgery or need pain medications to recover. Fortunately, chiropractic care can help. Chiropractic therapy can prevent injuries by keeping the spine and other parts of the body aligned for peak performance. It can also help in the recovery process by reducing pain and helping athletes work through their stiffness. If you’re interested in learning more, see how the doctors at Florida Wellness are using chiropractic care to treat athletes.
RELATED CONTENT: What Can Chiropractic Care Do for Sports Injuries?
#5) Track Your Water Intake
Even the best athletes get dehydrated. It’s not uncommon to skip water on days when you don’t have a big workout or when you don’t think you’re exerting yourself. However, water is important regardless of whether you run a marathon or just hop on the treadmill. Water is particularly important in Florida when even cool spring and fall days can cause sunburn and leave us parched. Don’t wait until you are already thirsty to look around for a water fountain.
Perform Better by Taking Care of Your Body
You may not think that a small step like drinking water or meeting with a chiropractor can have a big impact, but these changes can pay off. See how your body responds and watch your performance improve with a little care.
Florida Wellness is a great option for all of your health-care needs. Their exclusive group of physicians manages a wide range of conditions. They offer on-site primary care, chiropractic care, medical acupuncture, physical therapy, and massage therapy. They have five locations serving Tampa Bay and some facilities also offer internal medicine or sports medicine. So, take charge of your health and make an appointment today!
