It's May, and for Central Indiana this is one of the busiest months of the year. With the 100th running of the Indy 500 just a few weeks away, we know that a lot of you will be going out to witness history being made. We've got some tips to keep you healthy and safe if you're planning a trip to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Hydration Matters
Drink plenty of water while you're out at the track. Prolonged exposure to the sun, time spent in the heat, and all of the walking that you are likely to do while visiting IMS can all lead to dehydration if you don't keep the right fluids in your body. We suggest packing plenty of water in your coolers, and if it isn't your primary drink of choice, drink a bottle of water between any other beverages. Remember that alcohol and sugary sodas are actually dehydrating.
Coolers and Your Back
Speaking of packing coolers... Carrying around a heavy cooler all day will definitely put undue strain on your back. When packing your cooler in the morning, make sure to distribute weight evenly and don't over pack. If you're visiting the track in a group, take turns carrying the cooler and switch shoulders often. Instead of loading the cooler with ice to keep the contents cold, frozen water bottles will do the trick. Frozen water bottles serve a dual purpose - they keep things cold at the start of the day and after they thaw, you can drink them to stay hydrated. If you do use ice to keep the contents of your cooler cold, drain the water as it melts to reduce weight.
Even better, invest in a cooler with wheels and a handle that is appropriate to your height to prevent back strain altogether, but visit the IMS website to make sure it falls within the cooler guidelines set by track officials.
Support Starts with Your Feet
A day at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway undoubtedly means you'll be doing your fair share of walking. It's a big place, with a lot to see, so you're going to want to make sure you wear the right shoes. With warmer weather, you might be tempted to wear sandals or flip-flops to the track, but those don't provide proper foot support and can lead to back pain at the end of the day. Make sure you wear shoes with arch support, that fit properly and have a back so that your foot doesn't slide around. Trust us, your back will thank you at the end of the day.
Tips for Comfortable and Healthy Bleacher Sitting
Most of the seating at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway is bleacher seating, and that can not only be uncomfortable, but it can also be really bad for your back. Try finding or purchasing seats in the Penthouse, Tower Terrace or Box seat locations - all of these stands either have folding chair or bench with back style seating. If you aren't sitting in one of these stands, here are some tips for comfort and support:
- Make a conscious effort to sit up straight. Poor posture is going to require portions of your back to compensate for the parts that are forced out of alignment due to slouching or hunching.
- Bring along a seat cushion for padding and support. You can even purchase some bleacher seating that has back support built in. If you're attending the big race on Memorial Day weekend, this style of seating is also available for rent.
- If you don't want to purchase or rent seat cushions, a folded blanket will also provide you with with some support.
No matter where you are sitting, take breaks often. Sitting for too long has adverse effects on your back. Get up and walk around about once an hour to give your back some relief.
Save your Skin
A long day at the track definitely means you'll be spending some time in the sun. Make sure to pack sunscreen in your track bag and reapply often to protect yourself from harmful UVA and UVB rays. You should wear sunscreen even on cloudy days - research has shown that up to 80% of the sun's UV rays can pass through clouds. Wear long, lightweight clothing for more protection and seek out breaks in the shade often - we suggest a visit to the Pagoda Plaza, where you can find shade and a few great picture opportunities with the world-famous bricks all at once.
Ear Protection
It's no secret that the Indianapolis Motor Speedway can get pretty loud. Bring ear plugs or noise canceling headphones to protect your ears. This tip is especially important for children. Try to sit higher up in the stands - this will give you a better view of the track, and a little extra distance between your ears and these high powered engines.
We hope these tips help you stay safe and healthy this race season in Indiana. This month will be full of exciting and historic events, and keeping your back and body healthy is important to make sure you can enjoy it all.
Remember, if back pain is slowing you down, visit our website or give us a call at 317-272-4100 for a free consultation and get back on track to better health!