Summer is approaching, and it’s synonymous with joy and renewal of our energy. The strengthening of weather and temperatures, the longer daylight hours, and the possibility for many to enjoy well-deserved vacations make the summer period an ideal scenario to fully enjoy any outdoor activity. The range of possibilities in this sense is, at the very least, almost unlimited and as varied as our tastes and preferences can be.
Whether you’re a hardcore athlete who takes advantage of any opportunity to tone your body, or if you’re a nature lover and outdoor enthusiast (hiking, multi-adventure, bike routes, camping…), if your thing is traveling and sightseeing beyond the traditional days of countryside, pool and beach, or even if you’re a person who prefers to do physical activity in small doses; in any case, it’s advisable to keep in mind certain considerations that can allow us to enjoy our leisure time without compromising our body’s health:
– To begin with, if we’re not used to exercising more or less constantly, or we’ve simply opted for an activity we’re not accustomed to, we should condition our physical fitness to that activity progressively, from less to more, to prevent the possibility of injury.
– Let’s not forget that our body needs adaptation before performing an activity, so don’t skimp on time to warm up your muscles and joints with mobility exercises and stretches. They will undoubtedly thank you for it.
– Each activity has its own characteristics and, by extension, you’ll probably need to use equipment according to its needs. Try to wear breathable fabrics always and appropriate footwear. On this last point, it’s important to emphasize that shoes should be well-tied to avoid ankle and foot problems, and to remind you that flat-soled shoes or flip-flops are not suitable for sports or walking long distances. On the other hand, if you’re going to do long hiking days, avoid overloading your backpack with weight, thus protecting your back from unnecessary suffering.
– If the activity we’re going to perform involves moderate or intense effort, we should try to hydrate very frequently (before, during, and after) and protect ourselves as much as possible from the sun. Use a cap to protect your head, as well as sunscreen -at least factor 30- to preserve your skin. Avoid the central hours of the day (between 1 PM and 4 PM) when the sun’s impact is greater, you’ll reduce the risk of suffering a ‘heat stroke’.
– Once we rest from doing sports, if we have air conditioning at home, we should maintain a constant temperature, programming the devices between 23 and 24 degrees. We should also avoid the air output directly impacting our body.
– Cold as a palliative measure for discomfort is a great ally. Try bathing in the sea or river during and after a day of activity, or simply fill your bathtub with ice and water, you’ll see how much good it does you.
– Rest is essential when we finish our physical activity. This rest should include a sufficient number of sleep hours per day, and for this, we should keep our room well ventilated, and the mattress and pillow should be adapted to our needs. At this time of year when we might find ourselves sleeping away from home for long periods, especially if you’re one of those people who have trouble falling asleep or with hotel pillows, you can consider taking your own along with your luggage or, if not possible, ask for advice at your specialized store and your doctor or physiotherapist.
– Also remember that if you suffer from any pain or injury that may limit you when performing adequate physical activity, you can consult with a trusted physiotherapist. They can surely advise you and help you enjoy the summer as you well deserve.
These are just some recommendations you can adopt for the arrival of good weather, I’m sure you’ll take care of the rest to enjoy summer to the fullest. From here, we encourage you to do so.
