3 Situations In Which Sports Should Be Avoided

Physical activity has always been important to societies. There seems to be no reason to avoid playing sports.

Exercising is not a contemporary issue. Since ancient times, in ancient Greece, physical activity programs were carried out. Playing sports was considered a priority for health, not to mention that the cult of the aesthetic image was a way of expressing power. 

Why should you exercise?

Sport improves cardiovascular performance, since it activates hemodynamic, hormonal, neurological and metabolic changes. Therefore, it improves the function of the respiratory system.

Physical activity provides balance to health. Staying moving prevents osteoporosis, back pain, and damage from poor posture. However, sport may not be a healthy activity, which depends on the form and conditions in which it is practiced.

When should you avoid doing sports?

It is clear that exercising excessively or incorrectly can have counterproductive effects. For example, people with hypertension problems should avoid excessive sports, as this can make their condition worse. But also, there are certain circumstances under which avoiding sports is the best option.

Here are three situations in which you should avoid playing sports:

1. After not having enough sleep

After having spent a night with insomnia, we can believe that physical activity is the best way to recharge our energies. Error! Going into an exercise routine after not having a good rest increases stress. In addition to that under this circumstance, the immune system is not prepared for the effort, for which the defenses deteriorate.

Not to mention, we strain our muscles from lack of energy, which increases the risk of injury. And we force the muscles because we cannot execute the movements in the same way as if we had rested well the night before.

However, if you did not sleep well the night before and you do not want to lose the day in terms of your exercise routine, it is recommended that you walk, jog or do half of what you usually demand.

2. After drinking alcohol

Technically, alcohol consumption does not prevent sports, unless it is a physical activity that demands precision. This is because alcohol intake affects performance and strength, but especially coordination. Ethanol makes those who consume alcohol enter a euphoric state and then a depressive one, which reduces reflexes in any situation.

On the other hand, it is important to remember that alcohol has diuretic effects, which can cause dehydration while doing physical activity. This due to the loss of fluids, vitamins and minerals. Also, ethanol prevents nutrients from being absorbed on a regular basis, which promotes body weight gain.

3. After having suffered an injury

It is very common for athletes to have injuries while playing sports. Some of the causes are:

• Not performing the movements correctly.
• Train more than usual.

• Wearing an inappropriate sports shoe.
• Lack of protection.

Types of injuries

Among the most frequent injuries in athletes are:

• Acute trauma:  Such as fractures, sprains or cuts, among others. They can originate from a blow or excess force.
•  Overuse injuries: For example, overuse fractures or tendon inflammation. They develop after performing a repetitive routine.

Symptoms

Some of the most common symptoms in case of injuries are:

• Severe pain or to the touch.
• Stiffness and inflammation
• Immobilization
• Crackles.

If you have any of these symptoms, you should avoid playing sports. You must completely suspend sports activity. But in addition, it is essential that you go to a doctor.

You should also inform your coach about your injury and treatment, and then gradually begin therapeutic exercises.

Recommendations when exercising

• Put yourself in the hands of a certified sports specialist to perform any physical activity.
• Pay attention to technique and not focus on strength, as lifting a heavy weight is useless if done incorrectly.
• Be consistent and avoid overload, since doing an exaggerated amount of exercise in a short period will not bring the results that are obtained in months. 
• Carry out warm-up. Stretching before starting physical activity is essential to prevent injuries and increase physical performance.
• Begin with an aerobic routine, if you are looking to lose weight. However, it is also important to lift weights, as it strengthens the muscles.
• Maintain a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals.
• Drink water, because it is the only way to recover from physical effort. It is essential to drink water before, during and after exercise.