May 01st, 2020

Tips to Transition into Summer Injury Free with Your 4-Legged Friend​

Summer is just around the corner! After being cooped up for what felt like an eternal winter, most of us are excited to finally spend some time outside enjoying the warm weather with our 4-legged friends. Whether you compete with your horse, are an avid trail hiker with your dog or are an athlete yourself, these tips will help both you and your critters transition into spring injury-free.
 
1. Avoid being a weekend warrior
Trying to make up for a decrease in training consistency by “cramming” on the weekends with longer or harder sessions only leads to soreness and injury. It is far better to do shorter daily sessions, than to do long sessions on weekends but sit around the rest of the week. This is not only better for your fitness but for your circulatory, lymphatic and digestive systems.
 
2. Start low and slow!
It’s important to remember to ease into an exercise routine, too much too fast can be hard on you and your animals. It’s best to slowly increase the activity level, gradually building up duration or intensity. When it comes to your animals, don't mistake eagerness for fitness, and don't assume that they won't do more than they are physically conditioned to do. (Because they will!)
 
 3. Cross Training is key.
 
Cross training simply means engaging in a variety of different exercises to ensure all muscle groups get worked. It’s a great way to maximize fitness while minimizing the risk of injury. Training on different surfaces, on hills, and with obstacles can provide a different challenge for you and your animals. This will keep everyone physically and mentally stimulated.
 
4. Regular bodywork
            Getting regular bodywork sessions (Massage, PEMF, Physio, Chiro etc.)  can help keep all the muscles limber and joints mobile so that you and your animals can exercise injury free. During these sessions your therapist can help with identifying and correcting little issues before they become BIG problems down the road. Then they can develop customized exercises so you can go through the season feeling healthy AND sound.
 
Even though the sun might be shining and you might be itching to get outside all day long, take your time and listen to your 4-legged partner. If you take care of them, they will take care of you! 

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