Avoiding injury while you exercise is essential for staying healthy and continuing with your physical activity. You can do several things to reduce the risk of injury. Once you understand the things that you need to do to stay safe, exercising can be enjoyable and benefit your overall health.
Medical Check-Up
Before starting any exercise program, get a physical check-up with your physician. This is especially important if you have an existing medical condition, such as high blood pressure or obesity. It's also important if you're older than 40; there could be underlying problems that limit your ability to perform certain physical activities.
Hydrate with Sports Drinks
Drinking plenty of fluids can help reduce the risk of injury during exercise. Without adequate hydration your muscles can cramp and spasm, the New York Times says. Sports drinks have potassium and sodium that can prevent these cramps. These drinks lubricate the muscles and nerves.
Warm Up and Cool Down
It's essential to warm up before exercising and cool down after. Incorporating these two things into your workout routine can significantly reduce the risk of injury. Stretching your legs, arms, neck and back gets the blood flowing throughout your body and loosens your muscles, preparing them for physical activity. It also gets your heart pumping. Cooling down after exercise slows your heart rate and allows your muscles to relax. Putting in 10 minutes of light activity before and after working out is extremely beneficial to your entire body and can improve overall performance.
Examine Equipment and Surfaces
Before you begin your workout, examine the equipment and surfaces you'll use. If you're at the gym, look at the various machines and check for parts that are broken or missing. You should also examine surfaces that you walk or run on if exercising outside. Doing this makes you aware of any damages to equipment or uneven surfaces.
