Guest Post from barbend.com |
Winter only comes for a specific time of every year so there is enough time to prepare for winter sports before the snow falls on our amazing landscapes.
But how exactly are we supposed to prepare ourselves for when it comes?
Winter sports can be daunting to do when you haven’t geared up for it so here are a few tips to get your body ready before winter comes.
Understand the training your chosen winter sport needs
Different winter sports call for different sorts of training so be sure to research what kind of training your sport needs.
Snowboarding, for example, stresses both the legs and the core muscle groups. So besides not skipping leg days, you should also do core-strengthening exercises. These exercises also help you train yourself to remain stable against movement. That way, you’ll improve the way you move when you’re on the slope while also reducing potential injury.
Cardiovascular activities such as indoor cycling and running can also help you prepare for snowboarding.
You should also learn how to improve your balance and coordination since a lot of winter sports require them. Yoga and Tai Chi are good examples of workouts that can help. Or you can try balancing yourself on top of a skateboard and a PVC pipe.
Prepare your clothing and sun protection
Winter is a fun season but it can be harsh to our bodies especially if we don’t protect our bodies properly from the cold temperature and the harsh rays of the sun.
So when clothing yourself before playing make sure to have an inner layer, mid-layer, and outer layer.
You should never wear cotton during this season as it can absorb your sweat and trap it next to your skin.
Use wool, nylon, or polyester instead for your inner layer.
Wool is also good for the mid-layer as well as fleece and down.
The material of your outer layer should block moisture and wind from getting in, and polyester and Gore-Tex are great examples.
Don’t forget your socks, gloves or mittens with warmers, and a warm hat or helmet, depending on your winter sport.
Also, even when it’s cold outside the sun can still be harsh so slather some SPF on the exposed areas and wear protective eyewear.
Hydrate and nourish yourself
You might think that you don’t need as much water during the winter as in summer, but the truth is you still do. So hydrate yourself before, during, and after working out.
You also need to nourish yourself with meals packed with good carbohydrates, some protein, and healthy fats.
Since winter sports also require long drives to and from the venue, snacks are also essential to keep yourself from hunger.
Getting enough sleep is also key since your muscles need to recover from the workouts you’ve done to prepare for your sport. Having enough rest can also recharge you for your activities the next day.
Train yourself to the cold weather
As winter approaches, you need to start improving your tolerance for cold weather so that it won’t be a shock to your system when you begin playing your winter sport.
The gradual temperature drop is meant for our bodies to get acclimated as the winter comes.
So give yourself at least 15 to 45 mins outside – with proper clothing of course – to train yourself to get used to the cold weather as you make yourself ready to play your winter sport.
These tips can help ensure that you are equipped to play by the time winter comes. But remember to listen to your body and don’t push yourself too hard when you’re feeling sore or tired.
Happy winter sports and have fun!
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