4 Tips for Moving Your Exercise Outside
Happy Spring! As temperatures continue to warm up, you may be thinking about moving your workouts outside. The transition to exercising outdoors can be exciting, especially if you have been working out inside all winter. As you make the transition, the podiatrists at Prime Foot and Ankle Specialists want you to keep these tips in mind so you can have a smooth transition without any injuries!
#1 Go slow
One of the most common mistakes people make when changing up their workouts is that they workout outside in the same way they work out at the gym, or intensify their workouts too quickly. Especially when it comes to running, 2 miles on the treadmill is very different from 2 miles outside. Take it slow so that you can allow your body to adjust to the new conditions and reduce risk of injuries.
#2 Be prepared
When you go to the gym, all you really need is comfortable workout clothes and shoes. If you’re outside, you may have to plan for chilly winds, hydration, uneven surfaces, and even emergencies. Before you head out for a run or workout, make sure you are prepared and know exactly where you are headed to!
#3 Don’t cut off the gym
While it may feel great to move your workout completely indoors, the gym can still provide valuable tools for maintaining muscle strength, and doing cross-training to enhance your athletic performance.
#4 Know when to stop
Any pain or discomfort you experience during this transition is cause enough for a visit to the podiatrist. Overuse injuries like achilles tendinitis and plantar fasciitis can quickly creep up. If untreated they can build up, potentially causing more serious injuries and conditions.
We can help!
The first few weeks may be frustrating as your body adjusts to the outdoors, but you can always turn to our podiatrists for help!
If you want to know how to support your outdoor workouts better, improve your foot health, or get treatment for a foot/ankle condition, make the call to Prime Foot and Ankle Specialists to set up an appointment with our team of experienced podiatrists. Contact any of our offices in Woodbury Heights, Pine Hill, Voorhees, and Florence, NJ to schedule an appointment today!