May 24, 2021 — Health & Safety Tips
May is National Fitness and Sports Month. It’s the perfect time for Americans to find a new passion for sports or begin an exercise routine.
If you’re thinking about getting fit, you need to make sure that you know the main benefits of staying fit, but also the risks.
Keeping yourself safe to avoid injury is crucial when you start working your body in new ways. Otherwise, you may be hurting more than you’re helping.
Keep reading to learn more about this month-long event, how to get started, and more.
This annual event began in 1983 when a healthy lifestyle among American citizens was promoted across the country through sports and different physical activities.
For 2021, the President’s Council on Sports, Fitness, and Nutrition is working with the ODPHP for this event. Because of the pandemic, they have teamed up to promote safe and effective exercise while practicing social distancing at the same time.
There are easy ways to get some extra activity in. These could include vacuuming around the home or simply taking a walk outside, but if you’re interested in getting into a new exercise routine, this is the month to do it.
People of all ages can benefit from exercise, but the specific benefits that you’ll get will depend on the type of exercise you do.
For example, someone that decides to take up running is going to benefit differently than someone that decides to start lifting weights.
Regardless of the type of exercise you prefer, some of the general advantages of getting in a good workout include:
As you can see, physical activity and exercise are good for both the body and the mind.
To get your muscles ready, warm-up by exercising at a slower pace than you plan for your workout. After the workout, cool down by doing the same thing to bring your heart rate back down.
Make sure you know the right form and function of the workouts you plan to do, especially if it’s your first time trying them out.
Before you begin your workout, stretch your muscles for 15-30 seconds. Instead of stretching cold muscles, stretch them right after your warm-up.
Some simple safety precautions during exercise include using the right equipment and knowing your limits. If you’re new to exercise, low-intensity workouts may be a better option for you to start with to prevent risk.
If you have muscle pain or joint pain that lasts for a long time, you may want to get in touch with the providers at Physicians Premier.
Other signs that you have an injury include:
If you have chest pains, a broken bone, or any serious injuries, always seek emergency medical attention.
If you have exercise-related injuries, it may be time to see a professional for additional care.
National Fitness and Sports Month is the perfect time to get in better shape, but make sure you do so safely. Take our suggested precautions and pay attention to how your body feels.
Do you need some help with a medical concern? If so, be sure to visit our ER in Corpus Christi and let us give you the care you deserve.
Sources:
Edwards, M. K., & Loprinzi, P. D. (2018). Experimental effects of brief, single bouts of walking and meditation on mood profile in young adults. Health promotion perspectives, 8(3), 171–178. https://doi.org/10.15171/hpp.2018.23
Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion. (2020, November 20). About ODPHP. https://health.gov/about-odphp Warburton, D. E., Nicol, C. W., & Bredin, S. S. (2006). Health benefits of physical activity: the evidence. CMAJ : Canadian Medical Association journal = journal de l’Association medicale canadienne, 174(6), 801–809. https://doi.org/10.1503/cmaj.051351