USE IT, OR LOSE IT!
This Osteopathic principal is fairly straight forward. Keep doing as much as you can whilst you can, or your body may lose the muscle memory of that activity. For the elderly, this means keep walking and be as active as possible with frequent pit stops of rest to recuperate. For younger people, keep the fitness that you have and build on it with activities that you enjoy without over-straining your musculoskeletal system.
Summer Activity that is Good for your Health:
Activities that are great for you physically always have mental health benefits too. We recommend:
Walking - never underestimate the power of a brisk walk for cardiovascular health and a sense of well-being. Aiming for an average of 5,000-10,000 steps per day is ideal.
Walk in good quality trainers to protect your feet/knees/hips and let your hands swing by your sides for full body toning. Aim to walk briskly enough to be slightly short of breath for full fat-burn and cardio effect.
Swimming - always good for a fast cardiovascular and fat-burning workout. Alternate strokes as much as possible to prevent muscular fatigue. Back stroke is especially good for posture and damaged, weak spinal health.
Cycling - this area is relatively flat and so it makes a good starting area for those of you who haven't been on a bicycle for years. Ensure that you have the bike ergonomically set up for you so that your seating posture is balanced and avoids any overstrains.
With all sports please remember to have a high fluid intake to avoid dehydration and to stretch after activity. A good post-exercise stretch is:
For a Healthy Summer 2015, eat well, drink plenty of water, and mainly get outside in the sunshine and be active safely.
|
