01/12/2025
Weekend Warrior? Don't Skip Your Warm-Up! ๐๏ธโโ๏ธ๐
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After a long week, it's tempting to jump straight into intense activity on the weekend. But for the "Weekend Warrior" โ someone who packs a week's worth of exercise into a couple of days โ this can lead to painful and avoidable injuries!
Without proper preparation, sudden, intense activity significantly increases your risk of:
Muscle Strains & Pulls: Hamstrings, calves, and groin muscles are especially vulnerable.
Ligament Sprains: Ankles and knees are common sites for twists and tears.
Rotator Cuff Tears: Sudden overhead movements in sports can injure the shoulder.
Achilles Tendonitis: Overuse or sudden bursts of activity can inflame this crucial tendon.
These injuries can sideline you for weeks or even months!
Your Weekend Injury Prevention Plan: Warm-Up & Cool-Down!
Before you hit the court, the trails, or the gym, dedicate 10-15 minutes to:
Light Cardio: A brisk walk, light jog, or jumping jacks to get your blood flowing and muscles warm.
Dynamic Stretching: Leg swings, arm circles, torso twists โ movements that mimic your activity but at a lower intensity. Avoid static (held) stretches before intense exercise.
After your activity, spend 5-10 minutes on a cool-down with gentle static stretches to improve flexibility and aid recovery.
Play smart, stay safe!