Exercise is a great way to stay in shape and to keep your body healthy. There are many health benefits to regular exercise including reducing the risk of heart disease, diabetes, strengthening your bones and muscles, and improving your overall mental health. But, it is important to never underestimate the importance of exercising with care and listening to your body for any warning signs.
Exercise can often cause injury so it is important to know what your body is capable of doing. Many common injuries from exercise include a sprained or torn muscle, tendinitis, or a shoulder or knee injury. Most often, injuries from exercise come from a lack of knowledge or awareness. Here are a few tips on how you can stay safe while exercising:
- Always warm-up and cool down before and after your workout. A warm-up gradually increases your heart rate and loosens your muscles and joints and a cool down allows your body to gradually decrease your heart rate.
- Do not forget to stretch. After your warm-up and you’re cool you need to stretch your muscles which will help improve flexibility.
- This spring when you hit the gym, make sure you educate yourself on the proper way to lift weights. Learn what weight your body can handle, the proper technique, and the proper number of reps.
- Listen to your body. Nobody knows how you feel better than you do. If you have been ill or if it has been a while since you worked out last, listen to your body and go slow. Don’t push yourself too hard because you could seriously injure yourself.
- Stay hydrated. Always drink water before and after a workout. Sweating is a natural response to exercise, but you have to remember to replenish the fluids your body has expelled.
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