Tips For Preventing Workout Injuries

Tips for Preventing Workout Injuries

 It doesn't matter if you plan to work out alone or as part of a group. An overzealous set of goals and a lack of basic workout knowledge may lead you to make mistakes that can set your training back for weeks. While it's important to know how to find a personal trainer to help you modify your goals safely, there are some things you can do on your own to ensure your own safety while you are working out as well.

 Start Slowly

 Are you about to embark on your first workout in months (or years)? If so, start slowly. You may feel as though you're holding yourself back but pushing yourself to do more than you are actually able will cause tons of avoidable muscle tension and soreness. Your enthusiasm is commendable but pushing yourself to injury by attempting a full run or extra squats on your first day will not, in the end, prove to be a pleasant experience.

 Tread Carefully

 Do you plan to spend a ton of time on the treadmill, either at home or in the gym? Make sure you use some common sense when using this type of equipment as well. Always wear proper running or walking shoes ?no flip flops or bare feet. Make sure the emergency stop button is in place and never, ever start the machine while you are standing on the belt. If the machine is moving so fast that you have to hold the handles to avoid falling of, you are going to fast.

 Always Warm Up

 Never start a full exercise routine without warming up first. Warming up, by walking or doing a mild form of cardiovascular exercise, will increase oxygenated blood flow throughout the body. This increase in circulation will warm up your muscles and prepare them for exertion as you work towards more strenuous exercises.

 Drink Plenty of Water

 Many people believe they only need to drink water when they are thirsty. Nothing could be further from the truth. The sensation of thirst is a signal that your body is already starting to become dehydrated. You should drink water before, during, and after your workout. Failure to replace the fluids you lose during exercise can lead to heat related illnesses, dizziness, and compromised mental abilities. Dehydration simply isn't worth the risk.

 Give Yourself a Break

 Do you have a cold? Are you just now recovering from the flu? While you may be afraid of setting yourself back by missing workouts, attempting to exercise too much while ill may only make you feel worse. You may benefit from continuing some very light exercise if you are only suffering from a mild head cold with no fever. Anything that involves fevers, symptoms involving your lungs, or digestive troubles indicates the need for a few days off. Attempting to workout while sick may not only make you feel worse, but will increase your risk of injury as well.

 Still worried about working out safely? Talk to a representative at your gym about how to find a personal trainer who can work with you to ensure you are more comfortable as you make your way around the gym.