Following a good nutrition, flexibility, and conditioning program can help prevent painful injuries that often occur when we rush into spring sports and outdoor activities. A well-balanced diet may include fewer calories if your activity level is not as vigorous as it was last summer. Your physician can measure your body fat composition and can provide you with accurate dietary guidelines.
Sticking with a fitness program can be difficult. However, there are things you can do to help establish your routine. Set aside a certain time each day for your program. Vary your activities among exercising outdoors (with weather protection), going to a health club, and working out in the house to help make exercising more interesting and fun.
Be sure to include exercises to stretch and condition the major muscle groups that you will use most in your springtime activities. Just remember where you hurt last year and concentrate on exercising those muscles now.
Since warmer weather will eventually return, you should take steps now to help avoid a painful return to outdoor physical activity.
Keith Webster, M.A., A.T.,C.
Columbus, Georgia