Regular exercise is an integral part of a healthy lifestyle, along with a nutritious diet and work-life balance. Exercise can inflict injury if you do not take the proper precautions concerning form, safety equipment and hydration. The type of activity you choose can increase or diminish your chance of injury. The most common injuries from exercise tend to be strains, sprains and back pain.
Here are a few things you can do to avoid experiencing an injury from exercise. If you experience an injury, and it wasn’t your fault – please consult a personal injury lawyer for more advice.
Warm-up and cool down
Warming up can often feel like the boring part of a workout routine when you are itching to start exercising. However, warming up is very important to get your blood flowing, and muscles warmed up. You should exercise slowly for the first few minutes of your workout; this may consist of a brisk walk or some jumping jacks.
After your workout, you need to cool down to restore your natural heart rate and body temperature. You can stretch out your muscles, go for a slow walk or end your workout with some yoga practice.
Nutrition and hydration can make a significant impact on your workout performance. Eat some carbohydrates before your work – but make sure to leave enough time for your body to digest your body, so you don’t feel sick. Protein after your workout can help to repair your muscles and make you feel energised. Drink plenty of water and listen to your body and what it needs.
Hire a personal trainer
If you are new to working out, it’s important to learn the correct form for different exercises. Hire a personal trainer to teach you the proper techniques and movements that suit your body best. Ask your trainer questions if you are unsure of how to use a machine and communicate what you want to get out of the sessions.
Work to your limits
To improve your fitness, you will need to push yourself at times. However, do not push yourself by lifting too much, showing off or inflicting pain on yourself. Start slowly and gradually raise the complexity or difficulty level of your routine. Gradual changes will improve your fitness level and keep you safe.
Your body will give you signals when you have pushed too far. Your joints may ache, and your muscles may be sore for longer than usual. Remember to take rest days, fuel your body with good food and stay hydrated.
Exercise is a brilliant way to maintain your mental and physical health. A scheduled exercise routine can help you try different exercises and make sure you are hitting all major muscle groups.