Prevention better than cure

> Whether you are an athlete or a desk jockey, a prehab programme will keep the body injury proof and running like a well-oiled machine

programme.

For example, a runner pounds the pavement with every step he or she takes. This repetitive movement can cause muscle tightness, imbalance of strength between the upper and lower body, and tight hips.

By doing prehab, the runner can open up tight muscles, iron out knots, and keep his or her joints healthy.

Even if one does not do any physical activity or play any sport, prehab is still important.

Working at a desk or spending long hours driving can also cause muscle imbalance, which could lead to a serious injury later on.

Prehab exercises or movement drills are easy enough to do, and often double as a good warm-up.

Of course, a personalised prehab programme would be ideal, but for those who do not have such resources, they should just focus on core strength, coordination, balance, stability, and mobility.

Start with foam rolling, as it helps to get rid of adhesions (knots) in muscles and connective tissue. It also increases blood flow to muscle groups to improve movement.

For stability and balance, a basic yoga routine can do the trick. It also helps with core strength if you find planking boring.

Even professional athletes are using yoga as a form of prehab.

It is often said that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

That is why athletes spend hours doing prehab exercises before, during and after competition season. They do not believe in ‘downtime’ or ‘offseason’.

They are usually with their personal trainers making sure their bodies are ‘injury proof’.

Prehab also stops non-contact injuries from reoccurring, and it is much easier to prevent an injury than to rehab one.

Whether you are an athlete or someone who works long hours behind a desk while looking at a monitor, prehab is a must to keep the body running like a well-oiled machine.

Nevash Nair is a freelance writer based out of Singapore. Fitness is his passion. Follow him on Instagram @nevjitsu or contact him via email at lifestyle.nevashnair@ thesundaily.com.