Chiropractic Tips For Hiking Safety

Hiking is one of the best and most meditative exercises that you can do these days. It doesn’t require an elite membership and oftentimes it is a great way to get extra mood-boosting vitamins while giving a great fulfillment at the end. But not everyone knows that without proper preparation, you could be setting yourself up for injury. We have collected a few tips and tricks to help you stay safe this hiking season. Here’s what you need to know.

Get the Right Equipment

Safe hiking always starts with the right gear. This is because the right gear sets you up for success, just as much as bad gear can hinder it. The most important piece of gear you are going to want to invest in will be comfortable hiking boots. The comfort will be just as important as the boots themselves here because if you feel uncomfortable in them, that will be a sign of what is to come on the trail. Also, be careful not to get boots that are too tight, as they can cut off circulation to your feet ensuring that you will not be sure-footed and may fall at some point. Get yourself a pair of comfortable hiking boots made with thick, breathable material that support your ankles.

Stretch Your Tight Areas

The second portion of safe hiking will always come in the form of stretching. Just like intensive sports and gym sessions, you will want to stretch before and after a hike. This is because stretching helps prevent tension and overuse injuries in your muscles, while the movement helps to greatly reduce lactic acid buildup (the thing that causes soreness). There are some great exercises to prepare for hiking, and some of them you should start now.

• Knee Circles: These are great if you have tension in your knees and are worried about uneven terrain. Put your feet together, bend your knees and lean forward. Move your knees in a circular motion to release the tension and loosen up the muscles in your knees and shins.
• Leg Swings: These are the best if you have chronic thigh and hip pains. Begin by standing with your arms outwards to either side of you, forming a T. From here, move your weight onto one leg and lift your other. Your free leg should either go forward and behind you in a wide sweeping motion, or from left to right in the same sweeping manner. You want to go as high and far as you can without causing yourself pain.

For more guidance and help on how to prepare for your upcoming hiking adventure, visit us today! Wills Chiropractic is your one-stop shop for everything from pain relief to stress reduction. We are one of Rochelle’s best chiropractic clinics, and we are here to help you.