With Summer just around the corner, it’s easy to find yourself sitting in the heat and yearning to hit the slopes. However, it’s worth noting that cooling off in snow isn’t without its own downsides; most notably injuries from alpine sports like skiing and snowboarding. In this post, we go over five easy ways to keep aches, pains and mishaps at bay the next time you head for the peaks.
Stretch Before (or After) Intensive Activity
Stretching is an important part of a healthy lifestyle. It helps to improve flexibility and range of motion, which can lead to better performance in many activities. Additionally, stretching has been shown to have benefits for the mind and body alike, including the reduction of stress levels and improvement of overall mood.
There are many different ways to stretch, and it’s important to find what works best for you. Some people prefer to do dynamic stretches, which involve moving the body through a fixed range of motion. Others prefer static stretches, which involve holding a position for an extended period of time. More athletic individuals opt for a mixed routine of both types of stretches.
No matter what type of stretching you prefer, there are a few things to keep in mind: first, be sure to warm up before stretching. A light jog or other form of aerobic activity can get your muscles ready for stretching. Second, don’t stretch to the point of pain or discomfort. Stretching should feel good, so if you start to feel pain, back off a bit. Finally, be sure to breathe while you stretch — which will help your muscles to relax and get the most out of the stretch.
Try Supplementing with CBD
Cannabidiol (CBD) oil is made from cannabis plants with very low levels of THC, such as industrial hemp. Unlike THC, CBD is not linked to any psychoactive effects. CBD oil is currently being studied for its therapeutic potential in treating a wide range of common health conditions, including chronic anxiety, mood, pain, and inflammatory disorders. It’s recommended that you use standard full- or broad-spectrum CBD as a preventative supplement, and use high-potency products when your pain is severe.
CBD’s medicinal and therapeutic value comes from its modulatory effect on endocannabinoid receptors in the brain, immune system and peripheral organs, which positively influences the body’s sensitivity and response to a variety of signalling molecules. These include hormones like cortisol, serotonin and dopamine, as well as inflammatory mediators like cytokines and eicosanoids like prostaglandins.
Don’t Underestimate the Power of Massage
Massage has many benefits that people may not be aware of. It helps to improve circulation, reduce stress, relieve pain, and can even help you lose weight. Massage also helps the body to relax and recover from strenuous activity.
There are many different types of massage, each providing different benefits. Swedish massage is a popular type of massage that uses long, flowing strokes to work the muscles and promote relaxation. Deep tissue massage is another method, using firm pressure and slow strokes to reach deep layers of muscle tissue. While the latter is considered painful by some, it’s much better at normalizing blood circulation and relieving muscle soreness.
Take Hot Baths or Showers
Taking hot baths can improve your mood, relax the muscles, and help you sleep better. The heat from the water opens up your pores and allows your body to sweat out toxins. The steam also helps to clear congestion and can soothe a sore throat. Adding some aromatherapy oils to your bath can further enhance the experience and provide additional benefits.
If you don't have time for a full bath, even a quick shower can provide some of the same benefits. The key is to make sure the water is hot enough to produce steam, and that you spend at least 10-15 minutes under the shower.
Sharpen Up Your Skiing Technique
While it may seem like skiing is just about sliding down a mountain on two thin pieces of wood, there’s actually a lot more to it than that, as any devotee of winter sports will tell you. Moreover, skiing correctly takes practice and proper technique.
One of the main benefits of skiing correctly is that it can help prevent injuries. When done correctly, skiing puts much less stress on the joints than other winter sports such as snowboarding. Skiing also helps build strong leg muscles, which can help to prevent pain or strain to the knee and hip joints.
Another benefit of skiing with sound technique is that it’s a great way to get exercise. Skiing correctly is a cardio workout that can even help to improve your heart health. It’s also a great way to tone your leg muscles. And if you aren’t impressed yet, proper skiing can also help to improve your balance and coordination.
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