The prospect of heading to the rocky mountains during the summer time is something that is almost on every person’s mind in the nearby vicinity of the mountain range. Getting to the mountains is a staple for people who live in Denver, whether it’s for a nice morning trail run, a mid-day hike, or simply to visit one of the many cute mountain towns which offer people plenty of recreational activities. Indeed, one of the biggest perks about living in the mile high city is the easy access to endless amounts of outdoor activities, activities which provide both fun and fitness. It’s no secret that Colorado is one of the most fit states in the nation because of this fact. But before you head out to take advantage of our state’s natural beauty, here are some things you should be aware of from your Denver physical therapist.

Shade Yourself From the Sun and Stay Hydrated!

Ok, you’ve probably had a few situations in the past where you were so excited to go on a hike during the weekend that you dashed out of your house without considering all of the things that you need. It can be easy to want to get to the mountains as fast as humanly possible, as there will be many other individuals looking to do the same thing during this time. But it’s important to gather up all the necessary items you will need to make your trip to the mountains a success. There’s nothing worse than getting to the mountains and realizing you didn’t bring an essential item which can turn your trip into a less than desirable experience.

Essential items to remember to bring include things such as sunscreen, a sun hat, and plenty of water. Without a doubt, the most important item you can bring with you is to have plenty of water, especially if you are going to an area which is far away from any town or city with amenities. One of the worst situations you can find yourself in is to be on a long mountain hike and realize you don’t have enough water. Having to hurry down with a parched throat can not only be uncomfortable, but it can also be extremely dangerous, as dehydration can lead you to pass out and turn a fun afternoon hike into a nightmare.

In addition to water, having protection from the sun, whether in the form of adequate clothing to cover your skin or sunscreen can be vital to making this experience enjoyable. Even if you are a person who tans relatively easy, it’s a good idea not to bask in the sun to excess, as it can leave you tired and drained the rest of the day. The sun at higher altitudes can burn your skin much faster, as there is less atmosphere between you and that giant ball of fire in the sky which keeps this whole life thing going.

Stretch and Remember Not To Overdo It

If you’re heading into the mountains, whether for a hike, a bike ride, or any other physical activity, it’s always wise to remember to stretch before you engage in this activity. Although hiking may seem like a tame activity at first, hiking in the mountains can actually be very strenuous, especially if you are coming from a lower elevation area. It’s not a good idea to simply go on a mountain hike or other activity without first properly stretching. Focus primarily on your legs, as this will be the thing which will likely experience the most amount of exertion during your time in the mountains. 

In addition to stretching, one of the most important things to keep in mind is to remember not to overdo it when you head into the mountains. It can be easy to want to push your limits, as that is what mountain adventures are all about, but it’s not a good idea to overdo it, especially if you haven’t exercised in a long time. It’s always good to scale up to larger hikes, as you don’t want to feel wrecked as a result of pushing it too hard. Although fourteen thousand foot peaks are one of Colorado’s most favorite outdoor activities, this is something that should not be pursued by someone who hasn’t been exercising regularly. 

Go With Friends, And Make Sure to Let Someone Know Where You’re Going

Heading to the mountains can be one of the most enjoyable experiences you can have outside, as this massive formations can remind anyone of their place in this world. Staring up at the peaks of the rocky mountains are both awe-inspiring and humbling, and should also include a fair amount of reverence. Although mountains have a spiritual and warm component to them, they can also be extremely hazardous to people who are not careful.

For this reason, it’s definitely a good idea to go into the mountains with at least one other person, as doing activities by yourself can lead to getting caught in a situation which can quickly turn into an emergency. You certainly don’t want to have to call search and rescue just because you lost your route and are now lost in the wilderness. If possible, go with friends who are also into the outdoors as much as you. If you’re a novice, think about going with someone who is more experienced and can guide you in the right direction. 

If you are looking to improve your physical health situation is and are in need of physical therapy due to an accident or other physical ailments, contact Peak Physical Therapy and Wellness today and we will be happy to assist you with your first steps towards recovery. We have an extensive team of qualified physical therapists and specialists who care deeply about their clients and go above and beyond the call of duty to provide the highest quality treatment in the industry. If you are looking for a therapist who will carefully assess your individual needs and formulate a treatment plan that is specifically tailored to your needs, Peak Physical Therapy and Wellness is your preferred choice for the physical recovery process.