Sideline Sports Injuries -

Sports Injuries

Continued from our Retreat & Renew Daily Tip.

Melissa Wiliams, Freelance Writer | Co-Owner, Yoga Junction

For the sake of argument, we’re going to classify any physical activity as a sport. For when you approach activities as a sport you’re more aware of injuries and what you can do to help prevent them.

• Cross Fit- In this gym based circuit class you’ll do drills, squats, pull-ups and more with very little rest in between. Muscle strains can occur from such quick movements and adding weight too quickly. Look for gyms that have “on ramp” programs that help you learn your limits. Form is essential, so look for a gym that pays attention to participants.

Running- Typical running injuries include Plantar fasciitis, IT band strains, shin splits, and tendinitis. A lot of these injuries can occur from amping up your routine too quickly or from using poor shoes. Go to a professional running store to have your gait evaluated before you purchase shoes, and be sure to increase your mileage at a rate that your body can maintain.

Cycling (Indoor and Outdoors)- Knee injuries from repetitive motion and tight hips are the number one complaint from cycling. Poor alignment, however, can cause shoulder pain as well as injuries to the quadriceps muscles. Be sure to get fitted properly and when you’re done with your ride, stretch out your hamstrings and hips adequately.

Yoga- As I said before, the biggest issue in yoga is typically your own ego. We get in our own way by competing with the people in the room. My number one piece of advice is to stay on your own mat. Pay attention to the sensations you’re feeling and back out of a pose if it doesn’t feel right. And look for a class where alignment is emphasized. You can move at a strong pace with proper alignment, but moving at a fast pace with improper alignment leads to laziness in the muscles and in the mind increasing the likelihood of injury.