- Up to 20% of the population claims to do more sport in summer than the rest of the year, compared to 60% who keep the same routines. The remaining 20% stop doing sports at this time of the year.
- Up to 33% do not know which sports are recommended and what should be taken into account when practicing them.
- Lack of constancy, lack of motivation, lack of time or the necessary physical endurance are the main obstacles for people who do not practice sports.
The good weather and the greater availability of free time make summer a season in which sports practice increases, especially outdoors and in aquatic environments. In fact, according to data from the latest study carried out by the Top Doctors.es® platform, 20% of those surveyed say they practice more sport at this time of year, compared to 60% who maintain the same routines as the rest of the year, and the remaining 20% who, on the other hand, stop doing sport during the summer season.
The current celebration of the European Championship and the Tokyo Olympics, which will take place in a few days, are an important focus that concentrates a large number of followers in front of the screens. In fact, 8 out of 10 respondents say they will closely follow what happens during the Olympic Games. In addition, the study shows that sport calls for sport, to the point that 30% of the people who say they watch this type of competitions say they feel encouraged to practice it and even to venture into a new discipline.
“Whoever starts a new sport must take into account that the body is not adapted to this new sport. It is advisable that there is a good management of workloads, which should be increased progressively according to our tolerance. I like to affirm that, as my mentor, Dr. Ramon Cugat, always says, in order to do sport you must first be fit, and not do sport to be fit”, explains Dr. Pedro Álvarez, specialist in Traumatology and Orthopedic Surgery, expert in knee, shoulder and Sports Medicine at the Cugat Institute and member of Top Doctors.
Up to 33% do not know which sports are recommended and what should be taken into account when practicing them.
Almost half of those surveyed said that they routinely practice sports and 23% do so, although not constantly. In addition, the confinement led to the emergence of 8% of new athletes, although not all of them have been able to maintain this new habit. On the other hand, 15% of the people who used to do sports on a regular basis have reduced their routine as a result of the pandemic. Those who say they do not practice sports say that lack of constancy, lack of motivation, lack of time or the necessary physical endurance are their main obstacles.
The mistake comes when the sport is practiced in an inadequate way and without knowing the specifications of each season, which increases the risk of suffering injuries or having health problems. And the fact is that 3 out of 10 people are not sure which are the most suitable sports, which are not recommended or which are the aspects to take into account when practicing sports in summer.
Cycling, swimming or racket sports are very pleasant to do in summer, as well as those related to the sea and the swimming pool. Running and triathlon are more intense sports, but in summer outdoors, and avoiding the hottest hours are highly recommended. To avoid problems, it is necessary to take care of hydration, providing water and electrolyte drinks: isotonic, but always in smaller proportions. Eat light and easily digestible meals and take care of sun exposure.
Most frequent injuries during the summer as a consequence of sport
When it comes to physical exercise, it is important to have a personalized prescription and to carry out progressive training to avoid any problem or serious injury. “It should always take into account the heart rates at which we work and have previously made a medical history with a sports doctor to avoid possible cardiac pathologies and avoid sudden death of the athlete. A biomechanical check-up should also be performed to avoid joint pathology and wear and tear on the joints. Taking care of hydration and nutrition will prevent muscle-skeletal injuries,” explains Dr. Guillermo Recatero, a specialist in Sports Medicine and Member of Top Doctors.
If, despite having followed this advice, the injury occurs, it is important to apply cold immediately and see a medical specialist as soon as possible.