How to Get Your Spine Ski Ready!
By Sara Butler
Winter sports are a great way to pass the time during the colder months. Sports such as skiing are great for your health -- if you know how to prepare your body and the precautions you should take. Don't let an injury from your ski holiday land you in the chiropractor's office this year. Instead, follow these chiropractic tips from the chiropractors at The Joint Chiropractic to help you hit the slopes healthily!
Before You Hit the Slopes
It's no secret that skiing puts a demand on your body physically. It requires a certain level of fitness, endurance, and strength to do safely. Whether you're a seasoned skier or you're trying it for the first time, it takes a toll on your body.
Before you go on your skiing holiday, make sure to build up your stamina and strength. You need to condition your body for what you're about to put it through to help reduce your chance of injury. Improve your balance, strength, and flexibility with an exercise program leading up to your visit to the slopes.
When you finally make it to the top of that mountain, it's essential to warm up. Stretch and warm up your muscles for about 10 to 15 minutes before you take on that run.
Go Slow
Most people ski so infrequently that they don't realize how out of practice they are until they get there. You can reduce your chance of injury by starting slowly as you get back into the skiing groove. Only move on to the more challenging slopes when you have gained more confidence.
Properly Lift
Not all injuries are restricted to the slopes. If you don't lift properly when carrying skis or any other equipment, you take the risk of injuring your back. To lift properly, keep your back straight while bending at the knees. Use the muscle power in your legs and hips to do the lifting, never your back. If you have questions about the right way to lift anything, talk to the chiropractors at The Joint.
Stretch
Skiing requires you to make sudden, sporadic movements. These movements can place a lot of strain on the spine and the muscles that support it, so make sure to stretch both before and after your ski to help prevent injuries.
If you have questions or concerns about skiing, talk to the chiropractors at The Joint for tips to help you stay safe!
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Columbia, S.C.