Enjoy Your Holiday Fun Run Sans Muscle Cramps
By Virginia Laird
Are you the one who enjoys the holidays and all the festivities your community has in store? If so, you may be looking forward to your community's holiday fun run. Whether it is a frozen 5K, a Rudolph run, or a jingle bell jog, it matters not. However, the fun and excitement will all be the same. While the race itself can be a joy, health and wellness experts remind participants that those who are not trained or prepared properly may experience severe muscle cramps. Not to worry, there are plenty of ways to avoid these cramps from taking over your legs. A few tips to follow include:
- Stretch before the big race
- Get plenty of rest prior to race day
- Drink enough water along the route
Stretch Before the Big Race
Research suggests that one of the most popular mistakes among those who work out is to avoid the stretch. Many wrongly believe that it is simply all right to skip this part of a workout. It is wise to know that stretching helps the muscles loosen up and prepare for the workout which lies ahead. Spending just a few minutes stretching can prevent muscle cramping as you exercise. For those who are preparing to participate in holiday jogs, make sure you make the time to stretch properly.
Get plenty of Rest Prior to Race Day
Whether you are about to jog in a race or simply around the block, it is necessary to get plenty of rest. The body needs to sleep to function properly. Health and wellness experts suggest that the average adult should get at least six hours of uninterrupted sleep each night. However, when preparing for a race, it may be wise to plan for slightly more rest than this. For some, setting a bedtime is the best way to ensure you get enough sleep.
Drink Enough Water Along the Route
Drinking water prior to any race is a great idea. However, it can be problematic to water log yourself before a jog. On the flip side, a lack of proper hydration can lead to muscle cramps while you jog. Rather than have this happen to you, health and wellness experts suggest that you take small sips of water along your route. This can help replenish the water lost while you sweat. Some even advise the drinks which offer electrolytes are best as you jog, as they help to replace lost sodium and potassium.
Applying these tips to your race prep can help you have a more successful and pain-free race. Good luck!
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Savannah, Ga.