1. Make it a Family Affair
No one likes to be or to listen to a nag. But when it comes to your family's safety, you'd kick yourself if you let go of those issues that are most important to keeping everyone safe. Athletes and extreme risk takers are especially prone to injury and should take safety precautions equal to their activity. Injury prevention should be on your mind when you go to work as well as when playing. It's often those weird twists and turns that occur when we least expect that can be the most harmful.
2. Take it With you When you go
Laws in most states require car seats and bike helmets, but there's no one to regulate our attention except us. Watching what we are doing and what is going on around us when we're doing it is one of the best ways to prevent injury. Wearing and using the proper equipment for any activity will increase the odds of making it out alive and unharmed. Learning the right way to perform a seemingly easy exercise can save years of recovery from unnecessary injuries.
3. Save Your Planet
Moderation is a dirty word to many athletes who thrive on pushing the limits. But the body does have limits and will rebel when pushed too far. To continue enjoying your favorite activities, consider a slow build up and built in rest. Continued strain will put you down and then there won't be any fun. Improper use of any exercise equipment could leave you out of commission for much longer than a simple break would have.
4. Keep a Sharp eye out
Warm up is recommended for any strenuous workout for a reason. Trainers, doctors and moms don't harp on the importance of a warm up time for their own health; they do it for your well being. Stretching prepares the body too. Watch the most fit among us and you'll see they take the time to perform these simple injury prevention techniques. Watch where you're going is the mantra of the safety conscious and the best injury prevention around. Adding just a few minutes to prepare and taking the time to pay attention will allow you to enjoy the fruits of fun for much longer.
5. Play Hard, Work Hard
Listen to your body for signs of rebellion and pain. If a pair of shoes hurts when you try them on, they'll probably hurt even more when you're running in them. When your back screams in response to the weight you're asking it to lift, stop and take a do-over. Know your limits and respect the boundaries of your build and your abilities. Pushing beyond those capabilities is the biggest reason that chiropractors and orthopedic surgeons are so successful.
