PK vs. INJURIES

(This is my best attempt at a tough pose, sorry)

This is the first installment of my PK versus series, a collection of mini-articles to give you some hints and tips on hot training, health, lifestyle topics and many, many more. So let's get started...

 PK vs. INJURIES

Where do I start on this topic. I am a great example of someone who is accident prone and known for injury. This isn't from poor training, bad form or reckless behaviour (well not entirely anyway) - My accident proneness is a genetic problem. YEP that's right!! My father has some amazing stories about injuries that he has sustained over the years from head clashes at footy, boat crashes, head butting cricket balls, fighting hand saws, the list is scary.

I myself have two foot injuries currently from sport which are putting the brakes on my own training. So how can we minimise these chances of getting ourselves all beaten up? Do we need to hide in our rooms, cover ourselves in bubble wrap and pray? HELL NO!!

Here are my Top 5 ways to Avoid and Minimise Sports Injury:

1.   PERFORM DAILY MOBILITY, YOGA, or STRETCHING PROGRAMS.
These are proven to help minimise injuries and even heal existing ones (when applied properly). Programs such as Defranco's Agile 8/Simple 6, MBG Eischens Yoga, Steve Maxwell's Mobility program, etc. There are literally thousands out there to choose from.


2.   WARM UP & PREHABILITATION.
If you are taking on a physical or mental challenge be sure to prepare for it, even if its a light warm up for your job. Do the necessary training to ensure that the body or mind can handle the challenge, don't just expect your body to always handle it without having a suitable preparation leading up to it. Condition & Prepare

3.   LEARN THE SKILLS & TECHNIQUES.
There is no point in attempting a lot of training programs and/or sports, if you haven't got a solid background in the proper technique and skills. These are vital! So many times have I seen people training with sub-par form and getting injured. Take the time to properly learn the fundamentals, don't rush it, if you learn it properly the first time your goals will be much more achievable than if you jump in half-cocked and bust yourself.

4.   REGULAR THERAPY CHECK-UPS.
If you have a prior injury or just need an assessment or physical to evaluate yourself, then seeing a professional therapist is a must. Everyone has their own preferences - physiotherapists, chiropractors, osteopaths, massage therapists, the list goes on. Whoever it may be, ensure that they are a credible professional (nothing worse than seeing a bad one) - if you're not sure, ask around. Get your body assessed, understand what your strengths and weaknesses are, what limitations you have for work, training, sport etc. This is very important, don't wait til it is too late.

5.   BUILD STRENGTH, CONDITIONING & STABILITY.
Not only do you need a good therapist, YOU definitely need a good coach to help you put the rest together. I am embarrassed by the multitude of money making industry schemes and scams, making false or unrealistic promises. Source out a quality coach who actually cares for you and your well-being and not the size of your wallet. Beware the fakers!

TAKE THE FIRST STEP...
Implement one of these top 5 into your life right now, don't wait. Take action and get a good coach or therapist, spend five minutes warming up for work or prehab your body for the upcoming.  sport/workout.

Thanks for reading, if you like this article please share it to friends and family, help spread the word.

PK