Whether watching or playing them, outdoor sports can be a great way to get exercise, fresh air and fun. But with the number of full-contact sports played both competitively or just for recreation, there are a lot of ways that things can go wrong.
Whenever suiting up to play hard or just to have a good time, use these tips from the National Institute of Health to help prevent injuries:
- Get a physical. A doctor knows what to look for to make sure you’re healthy for whatever movement that sport requires.
- Wear the right shoes, gear and equipment. Many sports involve physical contact, so make sure you (and your teammates) are protected. A helmet and athletic supporter and standard for most sports. Others require additional body padding, like shin guards and shoulder pads.
- Drink lots of water. If you find yourself sweating a thirsty, you’re already on your way to dehydration. Your body needs about 1 ounce of water for every 30 calories you expend to keep your biochemistry in balance.
- Warm up and stretch. Remember to stretch the muscles you’ll use most. Use this guide from the Nicholas Institute of Sports Medicine for a list of general muscle stretches.
If you have already been hurt playing a sport, take time to recover completely before starting up again, and when you do, start slowly. Check out the NIH’s sports safety website for more information.
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