27 Nov 2017

Winter Sports Advice from northlondonosteopaths

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Not just for the skiers!

As we head towards the winter months, the need for regular and appropriate exercise does not change. However the colder weather means that our bodies need a different approach in order to procure maximum benefit, hopefully without any injury. Muscles and joints will need to be warmed up gently with the right type of movements so that once the more rigorous activity begins the body is ready to cope with extra strain. The importance of stretching cannot be overstated. Stretching before and after sport is done for a number of reasons. Firstly it improves performance and it also is a means to prevent injury.

Stretching before exercising/ sporting activity is done to warm the muscles up and slowly ease them into the strenuous activity such as a burst of sprinting in football. Having a good warm up and stretch before sport lets the body get used to the motions and forces the muscles will be under during the sporting activity, the body will be familiar with these movements after a good warm up and as a result performance will be improved.

Stretching lengthens the muscles and with consistent stretching ones range of motion at a specific joint will improve.

Stretching after exercise means that one warms the muscles down. This prevents shortening and tightness of the muscle which limits range of motion at the joint.

When stretching it is advised to hold the stretch for 20-30 seconds and return to the starting position.

\Just some advice from Alan Nevies and his colleagues at northlondonosteopaths. You are welcome to come in and get a bespoke session for your needs to help you maintain good levels of fitness over the winter months.

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