Why is it important to stay fit throughout winter? Out of all four seasons, winter is the most brutal season as far as injuries go. Winter brings about fun, but dangerous activities such as snowboarding, ice skating and sledding. Furthermore, winter is known for some troublesome weather conditions, which may lead us to be spending countless hours shoveling snow and lifting heavy objects. The most important thing you can do to stay healthy and fit and avoid injury is to stay active.

Without exercising and keeping your body in shape, simple activities such as shoveling snow can lead one to strain his or her back, or even lead to a heart attack. Physical therapy can help tremendously in recovering from injuries. However, PT can help prevent those injuries before they even happen. Physical therapists will work with you to figure out how your body’s mechanisms work, and will come up with a daily or weekly plan for you in regards to the exercising you will be doing.

During the winter time, the body tenses up with the cold weather. Injuries are more likely to occur during the cold winter when the bones, tendons and ligaments have not been active. Mobilization is the key to maintaining muscles in your body. One may worry about the lack of time they have to exercise and find time for physical therapy. Although PT will take some time out of your day, it will not be too much of a pain. Studies show that daily exercise of 15-20 minutes will help decrease major injuries. Additionally, for those who suffer from previous back injuries or back pain, physical therapists recommend stretching the joints and muscles in your back 1-2 times a day in the winter in order to decrease the risk of back injuries while lifting, carrying or maneuvering through the snow, ice and harsh conditions this upcoming winter.

A few minutes or an hour here or there will help you avoid spending painful and long hours either in your bed or in a hospital because of a winter injury. Stay active, exercise, stretch, and find out proper lifting techniques for the winter ahead of us.