Fractures are among the most common sports injuries that affect many athletes. There are many measures to help reduce these types of injuries. Depending on the severity of the injury, fractures can take up to several months to heal. Fractures and dislocations can be signs of lack of or poor conditioning. The body requires regular exercises to help strengthen the muscles and bones. A good physical conditioning is one that increases muscle flexibility while helping to avoid injuries.
For many people in general, bone and muscle strengthening exercises are not a priority in their work out schedule. Bone conditioning is viewed as more appropriate for those in contact sports or in bodybuilding. Bone-strengthening exercises involve stretching out muscles and strengthening bones with resistance-offering exercises. These exercises help increase fitness and strength. Here are a few such exercises to try;
§ Own body weight exercise- These exercises involve strengthening your muscles by using your own weight against gravity resistance. They include push-ups, pull-ups, and abdominal exercises. The exercises not only increase the bone density but also increase flexibility.
§ Free weight exercise- they include the use of weights such as dumbbells, ankle and wrist weights and weight lifting chains. These weights are not fixed but they also offer resistance to help build bone strength.
§ Machine weight exercises - fixed machines offer great resistance. Use of hydraulics and weight stacks can help in strengthening the legs and shoulder muscles and bones.
You can improve your speed, strength, muscle endurance and agility with such strengthening exercise techniques. If done correctly, you can prevent many sports injuries associated with tendon and ligament tear, muscle exhaustion and bone fractures. There are other strengthening exercise techniques if you do not have access to free or machine weights. Activities such as hiking, dancing, stair climbing and running will also achieve the same effect. They will increase the strength of the core and flexibility.
Bone-strengthening exercises are important to your health but should be done with care. Done with poor technique, they could lead to significant injuries under certain circumstances. To achieve the best results;
· Rest- it gives your body time to rest and heal. Take a break from exercises and always ensure you get enough sleep. Proper rest assists muscles to relax and grow. You also get renewed energy for the following day’s work out.
· Avoid high impact exercises when injured- high impact exercises should be avoided when in pain, injured or recovering from a sports injury. Start with light weights or low impact exercises as you build your way up to heavier weights.
· Stretch- be sure to warm up before doing these exercises and stretch after.
· Use proper technique- for weightlifting, there is a proper way to lift weights and avoid lower back injuries. This is not just in weightlifting. There is a proper way to achieving maximum benefits from bone strengthening and other exercises. Make sure you are doing it correctly - every time. Hire a professional trainer to help ensure you understand proper exercise techniques.
Most sports require strength and muscle endurance. Follow the above tips to achieve improved bone density and help avoid injuries.
Remember to live life to its Fullest
Remember to live life to its Fullest