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528 Chama, N.E., Albuquerque, NM 87108 http://www.cbass.com |
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Does Winter Muscle Stiffness Have An Explanation? Yes, says Dr. Sarah Eby, a sports medicine physician at Massachusetts General Hospital in the Harvard Health Letter. Our muscles feel more stiff and sore when the temperature drops because they are getting less blood and therefore less oxygen than in warm weather. What happens: The body responds to cold by sending more blood to your core to maintain your core temperature and less to your extremities, making less efficient muscle and nerve action in those areas. You may be more prone to injury, fatigue, and less efficient workouts. Dr. Eby suggests stretching as one strategy (more later), but some of their alternate suggestions are more practical to start: Dress warmly with hat, neck protection, vests and coats to keep the core warm and prevent taking so much blood from the arms and legs. Stay hydrated to prevent lactic acid from building up in the muscles and causing cramps. Avoid processed food which can cause inflammation and discomfort. Take Vitamin D3: a deficiency can cause muscle soreness Why stretching? Dr. Eby suggests both dynamic stretches and static stretches to stave off any cold weather effects: dynamic stretches to bring blood, heat and oxygen to the muscles to help them work efficiently and less likely to incur injury; static stretches (done only when the muscles are warmed up) to increase range of motion, help with stiffness, and improve agility. She suggests dynamic stretching such as squats, lunges, knees to chest, arm circles, and twisting of the trunk to prepare you before any cold weather activity. Do static stretching after warming up on a daily basis to prevent stiffness and pain and increase your range of motion. Hold a certain position for 20 to 30 seconds without bouncing, i.e. a deep lunge keeping back heel on ground to stretch calf muscles. Final Word We'll be taking Dr. Eby's good advice this winter. New Mexico is a southwestern state but gets more winter weather than people think because a lot of it is high desert. We have four seasons and have eight alpine and three Nordic ski areas. Although Albuquerque doesn't get much snow, Clarence and I live at the foothills of the Sandia mountains and get our share of mountain snow and winter weather.
Clarence and Carol Bass November 1, 2024 Comment on this article: FEEDBACK Ripped Enterprises, P.O. Box 51236, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87181-1236 Home | Products Index | Ripped Bks | Lean Adv. Bks | Lean For Life | Recommended Bks | |Consultations | Tapes | To Order | Feedback] Copyright © 2024 Clarence and Carol Bass. All rights reserved.
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