Summer is full of excitement and fun activities unique to the season. You may think your joints will stop you from joining in on the fun, but that’s simply not the case.
Just because you have pain, it doesn’t mean you have to sit out all the fun activities during these warmer months. In fact, a healthy amount of activity is good for you.
Today Bolton Spinal Health will list the top 10 chiropractor approved activities for you to enjoy during the summer months.
Chiropractor Approved Summer Activities
1. Stretching
The best thing you can do before anything is stretch! Start with a series of stretches to warm up your body. This will reduce the chances of injury to your muscles and joints. We have our Friday Stretch Club videos on our social media pages check them out here.
2. Swimming
Summer isn’t summer without swimming. Swimming is a great way to exercise because it is so low impact due to the water’s buoyancy, meaning the water carries a big portion of your weight.
Not only is it a fun activity that cools you down during the intense summer heat, but it also helps mitigate back pain and strengthens your muscles. You can visit spas or a gym with access to a pool to enjoy a good swim.
3. Aquatic Exercise
For those looking for fun and refreshing exercises, water training exercises are perfect for increasing your strength and reducing the impact on your body. Some water aerobics or aquatics to consider are:
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- Treading Water – Treading water exercise is a type of workout consisting of alternating between swimming and treading water for periods of time. Each period lasts from 30 seconds to two minutes depending on the person’s fitness level and goals.
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- Stand-Up Paddleboarding – Stand-up paddleboarding, also called SUP, is an addictive sport known for its low impact on your body. It is the perfect extreme sport for people with joint pain.
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- Pool Sports – Playing pool sports like pool volleyball can help you stay active and strengthen your muscles without the impact to your joints.
4. Yoga
Yoga has been around for thousands of years, involving a series of poses, breathing techniques, and meditation to help you empty your mind and relax your body to achieve higher awareness of your body’s health.
Yoga is similar to number 1 which is stretching. Our Friday Stretch Club includes some yoga poses as this is a great way to benefit the body.
5. Hiking
Hiking is a fantastic way to appreciate the outdoors and exercise. Explore new locations and enjoy the fresh air as much as possible, but make sure you take your time and use walking sticks if the hike is going to be more challenging for you.
You’ll also want to dress in comfortable clothing to stay cool during the day and warm during the evening. Leave behind bulky purses and choose light backpacks or fanny packs with just the essentials so you don’t overload or strain your muscles and joints.
6. Walking Tours
If you travel this summer, go on a casual walking tour, or do it at your local museums. Walking is a great low-impact exercise that can be done at your own pace.
Cardiovascular exercises such as walking also facilitate the production of endorphins and boost your heart’s health. This is always something that the children love to get involved with. Here is a link to some of the best museums to check out in the North West.
7. Fruit and Veggie Picking
Fruit and veggie picking is the perfect summer activity. You’ll work out your joints in a way, plus you’ll be selecting nutrient-rich veggies and fruits while relaxing your mind and enjoying the outdoors.
Fruit and Veg is an important part of our diet in staying healthy and well. Even if you don’t want to pick your own fruit and veg please ensure this is a part of your diet.
8. Bike Riding
Get off the peloton/gym bike and go explore your city or town on your bicycle. Riding your bicycle is a great low impact, chiropractic approved exercise. Just keep good posture, stay hydrated, wear a helmet and take breaks as needed.
9. Relaxing in a Hammock
One of the top summer activities: relaxing in a hammock. Sit back with a cold glass of your favourite drink and raise your legs in your hammock, helping your blood circulation.
The flexibility of the hammock allows your body to relax your back and joints, helping you fight inflammation and alleviate joint pain.
10. Body Weight Strength Training
Strength training helps you build muscles that will protect and give support to your joints. You don’t need heavyweights to get results.
When suffering from pain, bodyweight exercises are perfect to help you build muscle at low impact. Talk to your chiropractor or doctor about starting an exercise regimen tailored to your needs.
Those are our top 10 activities for you to enjoy this summer. Summer is always a great time when you are outdoors but do not let that lead you astray from your diet and staying hydrated. For more ideas for summer come in a speak to our team. Struggling to do any activities due to pain then please give us a call and we can try to help you get back to living life to the fullest naturally.
