Avoid Cramps and Other Sproting Injuries by Listening

Preparation means listening

What the heck am I talking about when I say, “Listen to your body talking”.

If you listen correctly and notice the warning signs – excess sweating, tight muscles, leg cramps, earlier onset of fatigue, upset stomach, feeling a little unwell – these are all signs that something isn’t right and a good cue to ‘back off a little.

To use an example – there’s two ways you can drive a car. You can do it strictly by the book or you can listen to the engine, feel how the car’s performing and then drive accordingly.

The body is really no different at all – it’s a fine machine an needs to be handled with care. If you start getting leg cramps then it can mean you haven’t prepared yourself and are definitely not listening to what the body is telling you.

As the article in this blog suggests, we need to prepare for sport and exercise as the weather warms up. If you’ve been out of sport or haven’t been so active over the winter months, then you’ve probably forgotten how to listen to your body.

Someone doing regular physical activity will be more prepared and notice the warning signs leading up to muscle cramps and injury.

The main thing to be aware of is your need for water. If you’ve been out of practise drinking water, then it can be easy to get dehydrated – especially if the weather and conditions are fine for a work out or a run.

Just remember that by the time you’re thirsty and exercising, it can be too late and you’ll get dehydrated.