|
The start of fall is not too early to begin planning and training for the upcoming sports season. From the ultra competitor to the weekend warrior, all could benefit from a sport specific exercise program and thorough preparation and planning prior to heading up to the snow covered peaks.
Sport specific training is a relatively new innovation to try and get the most out of a workout to enhance your performance outdoors. There is a plethora of information available on this and related topics at sporting goods stores, health clubs and physical rehabilitation centers — especially those with athletic trainers. Don’t wait until the week before the big ski trip to begin an exercise program. Keeping fit not only enhances your performance but keeps you from needing to re-outfit yourself because you can’t fit into last years clothes! It also reduces the risk of season ending injuries or at least tends to reduce their severity.
When you are exercising don’t forget about the very important but often disregarded stretching program. This will not only improve your flexibility but will reduce injury risk and the “day after” soreness.
Another important factor on your road to better performance is nutrition. The body needs essential nutrients to perform at peak proficiency. These nutrients include carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, minerals and H2O. A good balance of these are important. Carbohydrates are the fuel workhorses of the body and “pre-loading” before a full day of exercise is essential.
Other factors to consider with prolonged exposure to the winter elements is appropriate clothing, as cold weather can affect your performance as well as your enjoyment. The basic principle is to maintain layers of warm motionless layers close to the body — something that “layered clothing” will achieve. Anticipate a rise in body temperature with exercise to avoid sweating and having wet clothing turn cold next to your body.
All in all, with careful forethought and planning, this years winter sports season can be enjoyable and exciting with less risk of injury or discomfort. The only other thing left to do is to wait for the snow and hope for a long season with an abundance of beautiful powder.
Dr. Peter Wood is a board certified orthopedic surgeon who joined Longmont Clinic in the spring of 1997.
|