How To Prepare For Changing Seasons And A Cramping Body

It’s only natural for humans to go out more as days get warmer. Winter may have passed by and although you may have maintained an active lifestyle in the cold, movement usually increases in summer. Both cyclists and joggers start venturing outdoors as the days lengthen and nights shorten, and you’ll have more opportunities to socialise with others while participating in group activities of your choice. But how do you manage a cramping body, sports injuries and uncomfortable muscle tension from the sudden increase in activity? As Auckland physiotherapy specialists, we’ve compiled a useful guide on the best way to prepare your body.

Visit A Qualified Physio

Consulting with a professional about your current body ailments and injuries should be your first step for summer. With their assistance, you can determine the activity level you can start with as well as be advised on how to manage sudden cramps or other pain. Physios can also give you supportive stretching techniques to improve circulation which is vitally important in hotter weather.

Prioritise Hydration

Whether you’re planning on moving every day or only over the weekend, hydration is critical when being active during summer. Your body needs to be adequately hydrated as your performance is accelerated. Your healthcare provider will suggest maintaining or increasing the levels of sodium and electrolytes you ingest. Dehydration can cause blood flow problems as well as result in serious injuries if you pass out while active.

Think About Pace

Sports-related cramps can sometimes be attributed to inconsistent pacing or quickening your pace too dramatically. Plan sufficient warm-up times, especially as it gets hotter. People think that they can easily perform at the same level, with shortened warm-ups and stretching in spite of the heat. Extreme care needs to be taken to reduce the risk of muscle tension and cramping. The same applies as you reach the end of your workout. Don’t overexert yourself to complete it quickly because you’re then increasing strain on already tired muscles and joints.

As the heat increases, one last thing you shouldn’t forget about is sun protection and the importance of it. Exposure to the sun will increase the chance of you reaching exhaustion quicker. Hydrating correctly, wearing sunscreen and choosing sportswear that’s sun-protective can greatly reduce this. Lastly, as you finish up, don’t try to cool down immediately with ice cold water as this can narrow blood vessels and flow. As much as your body temperatures are increased, a gradual cooling down is better for you and your body and creates less of a shock to your system.