Most Practical Ways To Prevent a Winter Sports Injury
In any sport, there are no surefire ways to halt an injury; however, there are several ways to minimize risk through proven safety precautions. The issue with cold-weather activities is the poor conditions in which one must perform the sport. Let’s look at the most practical ways to prevent a winter sport injury that won’t compromise your performance.
Use Proper Warmup Routines
One of the biggest cons of sports is suffering a physical injury, and cold, tight muscles and ligaments are more prone to damage. Therefore, a warm-up routine is especially critical for winter sports. Ensure you allow enough time to warm up before you begin competing or practicing, and choose movements that work best for you.
Best Practices for a Warm-Up
Spend 15 to 20 minutes moving the muscles and circulating the blood. Actions such as calisthenics and jogging can warm the body from head to toe, significantly reducing your vulnerability to tears, strains, or falls from stiffness.
Use Proper Fall Techniques
One of the most practical ways to prevent a winter sports injury is falling with proper technique. Some people would argue there is no appropriate way to fall, but in winter activities such as skiing and snowboarding, falling properly is critical.
How to Fall as Safely as Possible
A proper fall includes utilizing your side rather than bracing yourself with your arms or wrists. You risk fractures or impairments by using your arms to bear your body’s weight in a fall. By leaning into the fall and using your entire body, you can distribute your weight evenly and minimize bone fractures.
Wear Adequate Protective Equipment
For winter activities out in the elements, wearing adequate protective equipment is essential. Items such as a helmet, joint pads, and protective eyewear can prevent avoidable injury. Youth athletes, especially, should wear eye protection, as they’re still developing physically and are at higher risk of injury.
Inspect Your Equipment
In addition to wearing adequate protective equipment, inspecting the gear before and after use is vital. Equipment often experiences high-impact situations, and it can be the one thing standing between the athlete and an impact. Visible signs of distortion or wear can affect the gear’s ability to prevent injury.
Photo – Yaroslav
