It's back to school time, and with it the desire and sometimes even the need for change. But how do you go about it?
How do you choose the right activity?
There are so many sports on offer from so many different associations these days that it's hard to know what to choose! Between the fear of hurting yourself, the fear of being ridiculed and the deep-seated desire to get moving again, where do you turn for satisfaction while respecting your body?
If you haven't done any sport for a long time, start by opting for a gentle activity, without jumping, so as not to damage your detonated joints.
Sheathing is an activity that combines well with any sports start-up, as it helps to build deep muscles, protecting against the traumas of sporting activity. Pilate is an excellent idea for a gentle restart.
Remember to listen to your body!
In the case of chronic low back pain, running is not recommended because of the compressive strain it imposes, but cycling, swimming (when done properly), aqua aerobics and aquabike can be excellent alternatives.
If you suffer from carpal tunnel syndrome, cycling and motorcycling are not recommended, as the driving position compresses the median nerve in the wrists, aggravating the symptoms.
Cervicalgia and shoulder pain are not at their best in asymmetrical sports such as racket sports. Here again, opt for axial sports such as cycling, running or other sports... but without twisting!
More generally, the key words should be listening and caring! Don't forget that your initial motivation is well-being and health.
Don't try to evolve too quickly, be patient and indulgent with yourself. Don't take on too much too quickly, because you risk injuring yourself at worst, or losing motivation at best!
Whatever activity you do, never compare yourself! Everyone's flexibility, vitality and physical condition are different.
So it's best to practise regularly under the guidance of a qualified professional, especially when it comes to bodybuilding, where poor posture can quickly lead to injury and pain.
More generally, it is advisable to do stretching sessions in parallel with the sport you are practising. Ideally, stretching should be done 1 hour after physical effort, and should even be the subject of sessions in their own right, independently of sports sessions.
Listening to your body is essential for injury prevention, but listening to your heart is THE key to pleasure and happiness!
