Andy Devaney
Glastonbury kicks off this week, with the iconic music festival taking place between June 25th – 29th. While it can be a magical music experience, the physical nature of the event is also incredibly hard on the body.
Therefore, Mark Harris, Fitness Expert at leading home-gym supplier, Mirafit, has provided his expert advice on how people can navigate through the aches and pains that come with the Glastonbury music festival.
Glastonbury – How to Manage the Aches & Pains
“With a capacity of 210,000, the Glastonbury music festival is set to take place over the next few days (25th – 29th June). As a result, understanding how to manage the physical aspect of the festival is essential for maintaining well-being, avoiding needless injuries and maximising enjoyment.
- Choose Your Footwear Carefully
“Throughout Glastonbury, it’s not out of the question that some people will be doing upwards of 20,000 steps each day. This is the equivalent of around 8-10 miles, so choosing the correct footwear has never been more important.
The general rule? Choose comfort over anything else, but ensure the footwear provides enough support for long usage. You’ll also want the shoe to be waterproof while also providing substantial grip. Walking shoes are a great option, with wellie boots as a backup for when the terrain becomes muddy.
- Stretch Routines are a Lifesaver
“Constructing a stretch routine is essential for reducing the risk of injury and minimising pain between extremely physical days at Glastonbury. By doing so, people are actively relieving sore and tight muscles while boosting flexibility and mobility.
Prolonged activity with tight muscles can increase the risk of pulling them, impacting people’s ability to enjoy the rest of the festival. That’s why I recommend a stretch routine, to be completed at the start and end of the day. I suggest exercises such as the downward dog, standing quad stretch and cat-cow for the most effective results.
- Leave Space to Pack a Foam Roller
“Utilised by athletes, physiotherapists and people with muscle injuries, foam rollers are a Glastonbury essential, but not everyone is aware of how effective this piece of equipment can be. They help release tension in muscles, helping to avoid knots while improving blood circulation and preventing soreness or stiffness. Basically, they help combat the negative physical effects of the festival, so in my opinion, everyone should have one on hand. Use these foam rollers on calves, quads and the glutes to boost mobility and reduce the risk of injury.
- There is a Correct Standing Posture… Master it!
“To minimise the strain and pressure put on joints, people should not only be aware of the correct standing posture, but they should be able to maintain it for hours on end.
Like any physical movement, there’s a correct way to stand in order to avoid muscle strain and reduce fatigue. To do so, maintain a straight posture with relaxed shoulders, no slouching and avoid locking knees in place. By doing so, people can stand for longer without becoming tired and reduce injury risk. Strengthening exercises can also be effective for achieving and maintaining a good posture, but this may not be achievable during a festival.
- Recover When You Can
“With the festival set to take place over five days, people could walk up to 40-50 miles throughout the entire event. This is a massive amount of physical activity for a short period of time, so rest and recovery when possible are crucial for maintaining well-being.
Sit down whenever you can, as even 10 minutes off your feet can make a substantial difference. Come nighttime, use earplugs and aim for around 7-9 hours of uninterrupted rest. While it may seem impossible, it’s important to try and get enough rest in between days, as it could restore energy levels and reduce the chances of muscle strains or tears.
- Hydration, Hydration, Hydration
“Due to the physical aspect of Glastonbury and the increased alcohol consumption, rehydrating regularly is vital. The constant movement increases fluid loss through sweat, which must be replaced by water to prevent dehydration or heat-related illnesses (if temperatures rise).
By sipping water regularly, people are hydrating their muscles, helping to avoid cramps. Look out for fatigue, brain fog or headaches, as these often indicate a need for water.
“Overall, it’s safe to say Glastonbury is a fitness challenge in itself. The five-day event tests people’s ability to stay active over prolonged periods, and the increased alcohol consumption could pose a dehydration risk.
By incorporating stretch routines, utilising a foam roller and choosing footwear correctly, I believe people can maximise their enjoyment while reducing their risk of muscle aches and pains.”
Find Mirafit’s full range of workout equipment here.
