FLEXIBILITY EXERCISES A MUST FOR WEEKEND ATHLETES

According to Robert Weiss, DPM, "Weekend athletes are prone to acute injury, which may become chronic as they lackconditioning. One of the key components to prevent injury is flexibility. When you are young, there is a high percentage of elastin (elastic material in our collagen which is the glue that holds the body structures together). However, as the body ages, there is less elastin and you begin to feel stiff and may even think it is arthritis. This loss of elastin and flexibility open an avenue for injury which will not heal as easily or as fast."

 

Dr. Robert Weiss

 

"Warm-up exercises for flexibility are a must before any athletic activity to help prevent muscle and tendon injuries. Jogging, walking briskly, or a few short sprints will allow the muscles and tendons to get ready. Strengthening exercises for the muscles, especially the front lower leg and upper thigh, are also necessary to help prevent injury. Other preventative measures include wearing only the best athletic shoes for your sport and examining old shoes for wear areas and imbalances," says Dr. Weiss.

 

Source: Darien Times [5/29/20]

Courtesy of Barry Block, editor of PM News