Preventing Exercise Injuries

Are you the kind of person who is addicted to her exercise regime? Do you feel restless and irritable if you can't follow your regular routine? If so, you better be careful when you exercise. Sometimes, injuries during exercises can prevent you from carrying out your usual routine and this is definitely frustrating. Just follow a few tips and minimise injuries during exercises.

How to avoid exercise injuries
Exercise injuries do not have to be a part of your life. Minimise your chances of suffering from exercise injuries:

• Warm-up before you start with an exercise routine. The number one rule of any exercise regimen is to do a 'warm up'. Immediately getting into a strenuous routine could do irreparable damage to the body. You should warm-up until you begin to sweat lightly because the main purpose of warming-up is to increase your body temperature by one or two degrees. Warming-up could consist of 10 to 15 minutes of light jogging or some light stretches or touching of the toes. Allow your body to get used to exercising gradually.
• End your exercise routine by cooling down with a few stretches. This means that you should hold each stretch position for about 10 to 20 seconds. Don't use bouncing movements, such as quick repeated toe touching, when stretching. Always ease yourself into the exercise routine.
• Invest in a good pair of training shoes. Training shoes must give arch support and support and padding behind the heel to prevent friction against the Achilles tendon and heel bone. The soles of the training shoes must absorb shock well and minimise pounding.
• Listen to your body while exercising. If you are experiencing any pain, even minor discomfort, stop. Try to change your technique or position. If this does nothing to relieve the pain, rest for a few days or consider going to a doctor.
• When starting with an exercise programme, allow yourself time to improve your fitness gradually. Don't push yourself too hard as this could result in serious injuries. If you suspect a fracture, dislocation, experience numbness or a tingling feeling, consult a doctor.