Health Precautions
The sport of paintball is an active and challenging sport. You will be exerting physical energy at maximum levels while your heart pumps adrenaline through you. Make sure you are physically fit and take health precautions before, during, and after paintball games.
During the week in-between trips out to the paintball shooting fields, exercise to be physically fit. When you are physically fit and strong there is less chance of injuries. To avoid limping around on Monday morning with the “weekend warriors”, build strength and stamina. Injuries are less of a risk when paintball players are in good shape. There is no need to exercise excessively, but a balanced routine will be worth it towards the last game of the day when fatigue is setting in.
The day before going out to the field, start hydrating. Even in cooler weather, this important preparation to be able to play your best. Avoid dehydrating drinks like alcoholic and caffeinated beverages. During warm and humid weather conditions, it is an essential part of preparation. Some signs of dehydration include:
- Decreased energy
- Fatigue
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Dry lips and mouth
- Nausea
- Dark colored urine
Before heading out to the field, eat a good meal far enough in advance that it won’t cause cramps when running during a paintball scrimmage. Take easy to eat, energy producing snacks in-between paintball games. Beef jerky, granola bars, nuts, and trail mixes are good choices.
Wear protective gear to reduce injury from the paintballs. Layered clothing and thick clothing will cut down on the bruises when a paintball finds its way to you.
While waiting to get started it is a good idea to check double check paintball guns and equipment. This is also a good time to stretch out and warm up. This will reduce the risk of the following:
- Sprains
- Strains
- Pulled muscles
- Torn ligaments
- Broken bones
Continue hydration on the field with water and sports drinks. Eat snacks to maintain energy level. Have a cooler ready with something more substantial and ice cold water for after the paintball scrimmages. Replenishing your body afterwards will help it to fight fatigue and exhaustion.
Have fun, use your skills, and put out effort, but be smart. Attempting maneuvers that are beyond your skill and level of fitness is asking for trouble. Simple health precautions will assure a day of planned fun ends enjoyable without a trip to the emergency room