Warm Up and Stretching: Is it Important?
A commonly overlooked part of any athletic activity is warm-up and stretching. The main purpose of warming up is to raise the body temperature, heart rate, respiration rate and blood flow permitting greater flexibility. Proper warm-up will prevent and/or reduce the possibility of strains, sprains and tears.
Generally, warm-up consists of stretching and preliminary exercises; it should take 15 to 20 minutes to prepare the body for physical exertion. The person who improves flexibility and range of motion is able to use his or her body more effectively, efficiently and is better able to avoid injury.
Summer Fun Safety Tips
School is finally out for the summer! Now, you just have to decide which summer activities you want to participate in. Activities for adults and children include swimming, bike riding and or roller blading. All are fun and will help you keep healthy and fit if you follow a few basic safety tips.
Here are some quick pointers for common summer activities:
Bike Riding
- Always wear your helmet.
- Check your bike reflectors to make sure they are clean, straight and unbroken.
- Check your handle bar grips and alignment. (Make sure they are tight and secure.)
- Obey all traffic laws.
- Wear bright-colored clothing.
Swimming
- Use plenty of sunscreen.
- Never swim alone.
- Know the depth of the water before swimming.
- Never dive in shallow water.
- Do not swim in stormy weather.
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