Racing and Motorcycles and Atvs

While it is not possible to prevent all injuries that occur during exercise and racing/riding, research has shown that injury can be reduced as much as 25% if precautions are taken. Proper conditioning for your sport is essential for injury prevention. Sport specific conditioning programs focus on strengthening the muscles and joints that perform complex and repetitive movements during that specific activity. I recommend a personal physical assessment be performed by a fitness professional to reassure that the proper exercises chosen are strengthening the weakness found during the assessment. Warm ups play a very important part of injury prevention. Warm muscles and joints are less susceptible to injuries. Warm ups should include movements that compliment the athletic activity to be performed. Active stretches as well as static stretches should also be included in the warm up. Incorporate light cardiovascular exercises to elevate body temperature and prepare the heart and lungs for the activities to be performed.

The athlete should avoid engaging in the sport when experiencing fatigue or pain. Performing under these conditions is a set up for a careless injury. Joint pain, tenderness at a specific point, reduced range of motion, swelling, comparative weakness, and numbness and tingling are all signs that should make the athlete aware that there is a problem. If experiencing any of these symptoms I recommend seeing a medical professional for further evaluation.

Fatigue can reduce reaction time, which could possibly create an error in performance resulting in a serious injury. Studies have shown that athletes with high consecutive days of training, experience more injuries. Rest can make you stronger, prevent injuries, reduce fatigue, and decrease poor judgment. Nutrition has a dramatic effect on the body and how it recovers from sports, training, and injuries. Supplying the body with nutrients and hydration helps the recovery rate from training and injury by assuring that the proper building blocks are there to help. A well-hydrated body also performs better reducing the chances of injury. Individualized nutrition programs are the foundation to any successful athletic program. The last and absolute most important thing you can do to prevent injury is wear appropriate protective gear and equipment. Helmets, gloves, goggles, boots, pants, and jerseys are all common items worn by racers and riders. Every time I go to the races I am so surprised by the amount of riders who do not wear elbow and knee-pads, kidney belts, chest protectors, mouth guards, and the all new Leat-Brace (neck protector). The number of atv and motorcycle injuries increases each year because of the numerous people who do not take the proper precautions to protect themselves while riding. Help to keep our sports future a bright one, practice the information provided and ride safe so that you can ride another day.