The last thing you want to deal with when trying to get fit is an injury that might keep you on the sidelines. While some accidents happen, most can be prevented. Follow these safety tips to GetFit without an injury:
- Warm up and cool down. This is an important step in your fitness routine to help prevent injuries. Spend about 10 minutes warming up and another 10 minutes cooling. Stretching, walking or running in place and jumping jacks are all great ways to warm up. This will increase
blood flow to your muscles and gradually raise your heart rate. When cooling down, it’s important to bring the heart rate back down. Try light movement like walking and stretching muscles that may have tightened during exercise.
- Stretching not only helps during your warm up and cool down, but it helps increase flexibility, and in turn, can help you avoid sprains and tears. If you are exercising with your arms, focus on stretching that area, if you plan to walk or run, concentrate on stretching
your legs.
- Using the right equipment is a key factor in avoiding injuries. Wearing the wrong shoes can cause more harm than you might realize. Always check your equipment, like a bicycle or rollerblades, before your workout to protect your health and safety.
- Safety equipment is not optional. Always wear helmets, goggles, gloves, mitts, braces, guards, pads and even sunscreen to protect yourself, depending on your activity of choice. Each activity carries its own risk, so pick up the proper safety equipment before you begin.
- Use common sense when dealing with an injury. If you experience pain, it’s time to stop. If you think you have an injury, seek medical advice before going back to your fitness routine.
GetFit Tips were taken from www.fitness.gov, the President’s Council on Fitness and Sport web site, and www.CDC.gov by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. |
