Health blog series [13]: Avoid injuries while exercising

This week's blog post we will talk about ways in which you can avoid injuries while training. Some of you might have made the commitment to get in shape or maybe to take your physical fitness to the next level. Most of us get really excited about new workouts that we start immediately and end up getting an injury! After all, an injury -in most cases- will put us off from exercising again making our plans for a healthier lifestyle gone to waste. Unless you prepare by following the simple steps below:

#1 Acknowledge YOUR weakness

One of the best ways to avoid fitness injuries is to know your body’s limitations. Knowing what your weak areas are and then avoiding the type of activities that are going to push hard on that weakened area.

For example, if you know you have knee problems, you don’t want to use a stepper, run on a treadmill, or do leg presses, all of which can aggravate an already weakened knee.

#2 Receive professional advice

One of the best ways to avoid injury is to take a few lessons with a certified trainer. This will help ensure your body is in proper alignment while you’re working out, which can go a long way toward protecting you from exercise injuries.

A trainer will aid in the appropriate progression of exercises, weights, and rest periods.

#3 Warm up and take it slow

Whatever type of fitness activity you're doing, you’re less likely to get injured if you warm up before every session. The warm-up helps the muscles to handle stress so they are less likely to be injured. Also don't go overboard with your exercises especially when you think you can do or think you should be doing as that increases the risk of injury.

#4 Don't overdo it

While doing one exercise over and over will certainly help you perfect it, it can also set you up for a workout injury. When you repeat the same muscle movements it will lead to injuries such as tendinitis and continuous muscle soreness. The way to avoid problems, is to vary your workouts - for example, doing cardio one day and lifting weights the next.

It's also important to give muscles adequate rest between workouts.

Always remember that fitness goals don't come by quickly so patience and persistence are keys to stay fit for the long term. That's all folks, take care and check the next week's blog.

Regards,

Your sports officer