Simple Steps to Spring Forward Toward Fitness

Daylight savings time is a sure reminder that spring is just around the corner and there WILL eventually be an end to the winter weather. And while much of the country still dealing with bitter cold, here in Houston, we’re definitely ready for the warmer days. In fact, this is the time of year when you’ll find many of us increasing our outdoor activities and all too often push ourselves a little too hard. Unfortunately, what can result is often a few days of painful recovery time.

So, I've got a short list of suggestions to consider as you pursue your favorite warm-weather pastimes this season:

First, increase your activity level gradually— Pay attention to your body’s signals so you can avoid serious injury and don’t have to pay the painful price of overindulgence. Start slowly and do a little more each day and you’ll be up to speed in no time.

Warm up— Plunging into activity before you get your body warmed and ready is inviting potential trouble. Avoid possible sprains, torn ligaments, etc. by taking a few minutes to get the blood and oxygen flowing. Just as your car needs a few minutes to get warmed up to prevent mechanical problems, so does your body!

Drink plenty of pure water— Proper hydration is highly important to safely maintaining your body. Water helps to regulate body temperature, helps flush toxins and body waste from your system, and it can help insure your internal organs (like your liver and kidneys) are performing at optimum levels. Shoot for drinking half an ounce of water per pound of body-weight. So, if you weigh 160, that means you should strive for drinking about 80 oz. of water daily (or about 10 cups).

Lastly, schedule a therapeutic massage — Did you think I was actually going to let you forget about this one? LOL! Nothing feels quite as nice as working out the kinks and sore spots after a day of sports or outdoor activity. Your massage session can help relax your muscles and relieve soreness, as well as flushing out the chemical by-products of exercise and physical activity.

Simply put – massage can’t be beat for helping your body function at its best!

So there you have it — simple steps to get back into the swing of fitness. Now go have fun! Spring forward toward those outdoor activities and enjoy the warmer weather (whenever you can)! And when you are ready to reward those muscles for giving you a wonderful day of play – be sure to give me a call. Your body will thank you for it! ;-)

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