Hobbies that involve physical activities can be a great way to stay fit and active, but can also cause joint and muscle aches if they are not exercised with the proper precautions and technique. While some hobbies provide excellent physical benefits if done properly, others can cause serious and lasting aches and pains in your neck, back and joints. In this article, we will look at 8 popular hobbies that can often cause neck, back and joint pain.
1. Yoga
Improper Posture
Yoga is a popular form of physical activity for many due to its calming effect and its ability to help condition the body. However, it can be quite hard on your body if the proper posture is not maintained. Holding bent postures for a long time or doing overly-intense poses can cause strain or even injury to various muscle groups, especially in your neck, back and joints. To make sure you’re practicing yoga safely, take time to review the proper technique for each pose and make sure you don’t overdo it.
Repetitive Striking Movements
In addition to the proper posture, the repetitive striking movements in some more active yoga styles such as power yoga and ashtanga yoga can cause neck, back and joint pain. Make sure that each strike movement has sufficient warm-up and cool-down time to avoid straining the body. It’s important to also pay attention to the amount of force behind each repetition to prevent any undue pain or discomfort.
2. Golf
Poor Form
Golf is a great way to get in some outdoor exercise and is usually gentle enough on your body, but poor form can cause pain in your back, neck and joints. If you are swinging the club with incorrect technique, it will put excess strain on certain muscle groups, resulting in pain and discomfort. Make sure to practice proper posture and technique when swinging the club to prevent straining your body.
Physically Demanding
Golf is usually considered a low-intensity form of exercise, but playing a full round of golf can be physically demanding. Walking the course and carrying your clubs while using proper form and technique can be especially strenuous on your body and can cause pain in your neck, back and joints. To lessen the strain, consider using a golf cart to get around the course and limiting your swings to what you can tolerate.
Final Words
Practicing any physical activity is a great way to stay healthy and fit, but it’s important to be aware of the potential risks it can have on your body. Neck, back and joint pain can be a result of straining these areas due to improper technique or being physically demanding. To make sure you’re enjoying your hobbies safely, pay close attention to the proper posture and technique and be mindful of your body’s limitations.