How does physical activity influence our health? What are the keys to prepare yourself before starting a physical activity? How to avoid injuries? What foods to eat?
World Physical Activity Day is celebrated today, April 6, in commemoration of the celebration of the first Olympic Games in 1896. The date was proposed by the WHO (World Health Organization) and aims to raise awareness and disseminate the benefits of practicing sport for at least 30 minutes a day.
Our experts in sports medicine tell us about some interesting facts about the practice of sport and how necessary it is to lead an active life.
Preliminary steps before engaging in a sporting activity
Dr. Begoña Manuz González, sports physician, recommends a functional evaluation to perform a resting electrocardiogram, anthropometry and a stress test. These tests will help in the future to make a correct training planning, according to the metabolism of each person.
- The electrocardiogram records the electrical activity of the heart and registers the rhythm of the heartbeat. In this way, experts can recognize if there are problems such as arrhythmias or heart attack risks among other pathologies.
- Anthropometry studies the proportions and measurements of the human body.
- The stress test is a test that allows to know the limits of an individual, that is to say, it determines the cardiological state thanks to electrodes positioned by the thorax. It is important to perform a physical examination and review the patient’s medical history before performing this test.
How can injuries be avoided?
A sports injury can occur to any individual who carries out the practice of physical activity regardless of the level of this practice, whether professional or amateur. Specialists in Sports Medicine state that the main injuries suffered by runners are periostitis, Achilles tendinopathy or patellofemoral syndrome.
Dr. Eva Ferrer Vidal-Barraquer, expert in Sports Medicine, proposes some advice to avoid injuries, although no one is exempt from getting injured, as there are injuries that occur accidentally. However, it is important to know and listen to your own body, to know what your limits are and to be able to act before reaching them. It is also important to have realistic goals and use appropriate materials that help us to make the practice of sport more comfortable.
What foods can be eaten during sports practice?
Before starting a good sports planning, it is important to carry out a previous study that takes into account the individual characteristics, the nutritional status and the type of sport to be practiced.
Dr. Carina Gimeno Uribes, specialist in Nutrition and Dietetics, states that sports nutrition must always be varied, without eliminating food groups and taking into account the type of activity to be performed. Supplements are not necessary for an individual who is going to perform an amateur practice, since a well-prepared diet can help to achieve the individual objectives of the person. In the case of high performance athletes, it will be necessary to consult a specialist to analyze if the individual requires any additional supplementation.