Although physical activity offers many benefits -- MayoClinic.com explains that it can help you manage your weight, improve your mood and reduce the risk of heart disease -- exercising also poses some risks. Common injuries include muscle strains and pulls, but you can take steps to prevent these injuries.
Step 1
Consult a doctor before beginning any exercise program. Your personal physician can help you discover any pre-existing conditions and can recommend any limitations to help you prevent muscle pulls, strains and other injuries.
Step 2
Consult a personal trainer to design a workout program that is appropriate for your goals and health status. Share your doctor's insights with your trainer so he can design an effective, safe program for you.
Step 3
Warm up before any athletic activity. The American Council on Exercise suggests that warming up with light aerobic activity using the muscles you'll be training later can help reduce fatigue and prevent injury.
Step 4
Stretch your muscles slowly. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons explains that stretching gradually allows your muscles to have time to lengthen and respond properly. This can help improve your flexibility and put you at a lower risk of injury.
Step 5
Strengthen your muscles with resistance exercise. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons notes that muscle weakness and muscle imbalances can cause muscle strains. According to fitness expert Lee Boyce, you can use unilateral, or one-limb, exercises to improve your strength balance and train your stabilizer muscles, which can reduce your risk of injury.
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