Here’s our recommendations to keep our Weekend Warriors healthy and active doing the activities they enjoy! Webster Dictionary defines it as “a person who participates in a usually strenuous activity only on the weekends or part time.” We have all met that person in one way or another. It could be you, your significant other, you second cousin or even your next door neighbor. It’s that person who “goes all out” on the things that they love doing… but only on the weekends.

What is the common complaint of a Weekend Warrior by the time Monday rolls around? Sore back? Achy knees and hips? Fatigue and lack of sleep? Yes, these are all common complaints of a weekend warrior, which is why we commonly treat them in our clinics with acupuncture and chiropractic care. We want you to continue to be active, the right way, so you can continue your usual routine without any flare-ups or setbacks.

In addition to Acupuncture and Chiropractic care, proper stretches, warm up and cool down exercises will help you avoid having aches and pains.

Ideally dynamic stretches are done prior to the activity. Afterwards, do static stretches to help cool down properly. Gone are the days where you bend forward to touch your toes for a few seconds and you are good to go! Research shows that our body needs more to avoid injuries or setbacks.

Dynamic stretches simply mean controlled movement that allows you to target muscles to warm up as you stretch them. Doing body weight squats, lunges, jumping jacks and push-ups are great examples of dynamic warmups. They will raise your heart rate while warming you up. This puts your joints and muscles in an unfamiliar position or range which allows you to prevent injuries.

Cool down is the classic reach forward and stretch movement that targets a specific muscle group. This allows your heart rate to slow down and prevents muscles from tightening up following your activity.

The most important thing about stretching: Don’t Rush It! Allow your body to flow. Sure, it might be uncomfortable but if you breathe through those few seconds, your body will thank you!

Go out and enjoy the weekend!!!