With the weather getting colder each day, we are starting to think about all things winter. Scarves, hats, mittens, boots and
those sniffles that decide to set up camp in your nose for the next 4 to 9
months, depending on how Michigan’s weather decides to be this year. Being
cautious about your health and wanting to be running 100% all the time is a
CrossFit priority. This time of year is the worst for catching a virus
especially in a place like a gym. However, that is no excuse to stay away. Here are some steps you can take to
be proactive in preventing a cold or flu takeover:
Drink Water:
According to Sandra Adamson Fryhofer, M.D., past president of the American
College of Physicians, "Hydration helps keep your nasal passages moist, so
they can actually get rid of little particles from bacteria…" Once again,
H2O is key. Drinking lots of fluids will also help your body adjust to the dry
indoor air.
CrossFit: Regular
“blood pumping” exercise can increase a type of white blood cell that takes
down virus’. Keep CrossFitting regularly and you will be a virus fighting
machine.
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| Image from couponaholic.net |
Wipe down equipment:
Keep it clean for yourself and other members of the box. Wipe down your
barbells, ab mats, kettle bells or whatever you use during your WOD to prevent
extra bacteria from feeling at home.
Use your own towel:
Don’t share towels with others. Keep your own and don’t reuse it without a wash
in between. Sweat comes out of your body for a reason; don’t put it back in
along with any other germs that may land on your towel. That’s just
inefficient, and CrossFit has no room for inefficiency.
Keep your cuts and ripped hands covered: Band-aids and athletic tape will help keep
infections, germs and unwanted bacteria from entering into your system, as well
as prevent skin infections.
Bring your own…:
Water bottle, deodorant, sweat band, socks etc… sharing is not caring in these
circumstances. I don’t know if I would suggest sharing any of these things
ever, but particularly during this germy time of year.
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| Image from Everday Health |
Wash your Hands!: Of
course we all know washing our hands is one of the best ways to keep from germs
and sickness but really, WASH YOUR HANDS! Before, after and maybe even during
your WOD. You probably can’t wash them enough. It is recommended that you sing
Happy Birthday twice to properly wash your hands. What a great opportunity to
work on your vocals
Get some Extra Zzz’s: Your
body recovers and repairs itself while you sleep. Be sure to at least keep to 7-9 hours per night if not more. An extra hour or two this time of year
will allow your body more time to ward off virus’ and infections.
Keep these things in mind not only at the gym, but wherever
you spend your time this winter. A healthy CrossFitter is a Happy CrossFitter,
so stay happy and send those sniffles on a permanent vacation. If you do happen to catch a bug, here is a natural remedy to help you feel better:
Click here for the recipe.
References
- Schwecheri, Laura (2011, December 28). Are Germs at the Gym Making You Sick? [Web log post]. Retrieved from http://greatist.com/fitness/are-germs-gym-making-you-sick
- Levine, Jessica (2013, October 17). 10 Ways to Stop a Cold in its Tracks [Web log post]. Retrieved from http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/10/17/stop-cold-prevention-treatment_n_4097947.html
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