Stretch Before You Wii

I've been playing Wii Sports every night for the past two weeks, and it's starting to catch up with me. I've played real tennis since high school, and I never got as sore as when I started playing tennis on the Wii. What gives? Not stretching before games could be the main culprit in Wii injuries.

According to Tim Hutchiful of the British Chiropractic Association, "Gamers should treat a 'Wii session' like any form of exercise and warm-up adequately beforehand to prevent stiffness and possible injuries." The BCA is so serious about it, they even developed a five-point Wii Warm-Up for your shoulders, wrists, arms, neck and back which are the most affected during Wii sessions.

Here are the five stretches they recommend:

1. Shoulder Shrug- Slowly shrug your shoulders towards your ears and hold for three seconds, then relax. This relaxes the muscles in the shoulder and gets your blood flowing into your arms. Repeat 3x.

2. Wrist Stretch- Slowly stretch the wrist backwards. Hold for a few seconds then slowly stretch it forward. This exercise prevents tightening of the wrist. Repeat 3x.

3. Make a Fist-Hold the arm at right angles from the elbow. Make a fist and tense it, and the whole of your arm. Hold for 2-3 seconds, then relax and let the arms flop to your side. This will help the blood flow and tone the muscles. Repeat 3x.

4. Neck muscle stretch- Try to make a double chin, to stretch the muscles at the base of the neck. Hold for 2-3 seconds. Remember to stretch very slowly. Repeat 3x.

5. Lower Back Loosen- Stand with your feet shoulder width apart, and slowly circle your hips five revolutions to the right and five to the left.

As with any form of activity, remember to drink plenty of water and take frequent breaks. If you're wrists or elbows are really hurting give it a rest. Your body is way more important than mastering a game.

Just curious. What type of injuries have you suffered after playing your Wii?

Related:
Wii have a problem with injuries: British experts