IN Ross Township Spring 2018 | Page 9

5 Tips to Prevent Winter Sports Injuries UPMC Sports Medicine experts recommend following these health and safety tips to prevent common injuries. 1. Stay hydrated Drink plenty of water especially if you are in cold temperatures and at elevation. Avoid heavily caffeinated drinks and alcohol. 2. Practice yoga Yoga is recommended for skiers and snowboarders as part of a conditioning program. 3. Improve strength Core exercises, as well as squats, front and side lunges, are beneficial in increasing strength and preventing injury. 4. Add cardio to your workouts Cardio training such as swimming, running, cycling, or rowing are ideal for skiers and snowboarders to implement in their preseason conditioning. 5. Check your equipment Make sure bindings are properly adjusted, and boots are fitted and attached to your skis/snowboard. Wear a helmet to minimize the risk of head injuries. UPMCSportsMedicine.com 1-855-93-SPORT (77678) SPORTS506447 CK/KP 1/18