Making Fitnes Fun: Using Sports to
Get in Shape
No matter how committed you are,
workouts can get boring. Throwing
athletics into the mix can help
break the tedium.
“Vary your fitness regimen with recreational sports,” advises physical therapist Jan Wisniewski, Coordinator of Sports Medicine Therapy for Chelsea Community Hospital. “This will make your workouts more interesting and burn more calories.”
But be careful, warns Helene Graham, Director of Therapy Services at Chelsea Community Hospital. “The most common cause of injury while exercising is going too far, too fast, too soon.” Bring your body along slowly, she advises. “Warm-up exercises prepare your muscles before your workout and alleviate joint pain afterwards.”
Running Down the List
Besides low-impact activities — walking, jogging, aerobics — here are some “hard core” sports to consider:Racket sports work your quadriceps, hamstrings, gluteals, hip flexors and adductors. But make sure you work both arms. And warm up with progressive arm rotations.
Swimming strengthens your upper body and can be a good cardiovascular workout. Use whatever strokes and whatever equipment you need to get comfortable with the movements.
Golf will enhance the coordination and strength you’ve gained at the gym. But forget the cart. Carry your bag, or pull it. And walk briskly. Warm up by practicing your swing in slow motion.
Basketball strengthens your quads, hamstrings, glutes and calves. It also improves your agility and burns lots of calories. Warm up with trunk twists, arm circles and ankle rolls.
Volleyball, with its jumping, spiking and blocking, provides a real cardiovascular workout. But your long-term benefits will be determined by how long and how hard you play.
Graham also recommends visiting a physical therapist or qualified trainer to obtain proper exercises for your individual activity and body.
