Here comes summer! Fun in the sun. Barbecues, fireworks, and cool drinks. And outdoor activities – hiking, biking, running, swimming, skating, blading, and even canoeing.

But you Must Pay Attention to Your Body

Listen, we all want to have fun. We want to work hard, play hard and we want to go all out.

It’s important, though, when playing sports or exercising, to pay attention to your body and what it’s telling you. If you ignore these friendly messages, some not-so-pleasant things might happen. And, when things go wrong physically, there might be significant recovery time involved.

Paying attention can save a lot of downtime.

Important warning signs include feeling faint, experiencing shortness of breath, and even intense muscle pain and soreness. Any of these signals mean you’re doing too much, working too hard, or working beyond your current physical capacity.

Back off a little. Slow down. Say that’s enough for the day and be able to go out there again tomorrow.

But To Play It Safe, Just Try Walking

While some fitness enthusiasts relentlessly seek out the latest, trendiest exercise crazes, many others are returning to good, old-fashioned walking to help them feel great and get into shape. Whether enjoying the wonder of nature, or simply the company of a friend, walking can be a healthy, invigorating experience. And thanks to its convenience and simplicity, walking just might be right for you too, according to the American Chiropractic Association (ACA) and your Cambridge Chiropractors.

Benefits

You don’t need to become a member of an expensive gym to go walking. And except for a good pair of walking shoes, it requires virtually no equipment.

“A sedentary lifestyle has debilitating influence on people’s health as they age” says Dr. Jerome McAndrews, national spokesperson for the ACA. “Exercise is imperative.” Walking accomplishes all of the following and more:

* Improves cardiovascular endurance
* Tones muscles of the lower body
* Burns calories: about 80 if walking 2 miles per hour, and about 107 if walking 4 1/2 miles per hour
* Reduces risk of heart disease

Your Cambridge Chiropractors can help you design fun and challenging exercise routines. Your Cambridge Chiropractor is able to recommend sports, stretches, and activities that match-up with your interests and plans. The goal, as always, is to be healthy, active, and well.