It happens time and time again. You think you’re ready to exercise, but soon find that you jumped into action entirely too soon. Now, you’re paying for it.
Fortunately, you can make it a point to prevent this from happening in the future. There are simple ways to prepare your body for exercise, including but not limited to:
· Drink more water: Don’t just stay hydrated while you’re working out. You should also prepare for exercise by pumping your body with as much water as possible. This will help you feel your best from start to finish.
· Exercise at cooler times of the days: It’s easier to do this during the fall and winter months, but it’s possible at all times of the year. For example, if you’re working out on a warm summer day, do so before the sun comes up or during the evening hours.
· Wear lightweight clothing: Heavy clothing that weighs you down will restrict movement, cause you to sweat more, and may even increase the risk of injury. In today’s world, you won’t have any problem finding lightweight clothing that matches your workout goals and style.
· Warm up and cool down: Don’t jump into exercise without warming up. Just the same, when you’re finished, a solid cool down period, complete with stretching, will help prevent injury.
These tips can help prepare your body for any type of exercise, ranging from a jog around the block to heavy lifting at your local gym.
Jennifer Ferdinand, owner of Serendipity Wellness Studio in Burke, VA, has been practicing massage therapy and esthetics since 2006. She is nationally certified through NCBTMB, and licensed in Virginia for both Massage Therapy and Esthetics.