If you are just getting into exercising or you are an old pro, injuries can happen at any time. It doesn’t take much to injure our joints or muscles and exercising improperly only contributes to the problem. Before you go out to do your next workout, remember these tips to ensure that you won’t be running the risk of an injury.
1. Find the right balance.
Repetitive exercises will wear down your joints, especially if you are doing several sets in a row. It is important to change up your routines to avoid putting too much stress on the same joints for a long period of time. For example, if you like to run for thirty minutes, go for ten, stretch for ten, and then complete your run for the next ten minutes. If you’re at the gym, switch machines for a few minutes before going back to your favorite one. This can really help you avoid injury.
2. Make sure you are using proper form.
One of the best ways to injure yourself while exercising is to do the exercises wrong. Make sure that you know what the proper form looks like and frequently check yourself to make sure you are doing it the right way. For example, your knees should always be aligned with your feet, your torso should be straight and your neck should not be bent forward. Finding the right form will actually improve the effectiveness of your workout. If you’re not sure if you are doing an exercise correctly, you may want to ask a trainer to give you a few tips, or take one lesson with them to see what you need to change.
Also be sure to wear proper clothing!
3. Take a break.
It sounds simple, but it is important to schedule brief breaks during your workout, especially if you are really going at. Allow a few minutes in between exercises to get your strength back and allow your muscles to relax. However, don’t wait too long, or you’ll need to stretch again to warm your muscles back up. Just a breather here and there can make a big difference in preventing injuries.
4. Follow the 10% rule.
Once you start working out and seeing results, it is very tempting to keep amping up your workouts. However, you need to give your body time to adjust to all of this new activity. Don’t go from 30 minute workouts one day to 45 minute workouts the next. Instead, use the 10% rule and add 3 minutes a day until you get up to your desired length. This helps your body get accustomed to the new level of activity and your muscles will thank you.
While many of us have been trained to “feel the burn” and accept pain, sports injuries are no laughing matter. Listen to your body – if it feels wrong or you are in pain, you need to stop immediately. There is a difference between working your muscles and overworking them and it is vital to be able to tell the difference.
Photo Credits: 1
Originally posted 2008-07-01 05:55:52. Republished by Old Post Promoter
Related Posts -
The Art of the Cool Down So much focus is given to warming up for exercise, that the cool down period at the end of a workout is generally ignored. If you are not taking the time to do this after each and every workout, you can experience muscle soreness and it can be difficult to...... -
Can You Control What is Making You Fat? We all know that eating poorly and failing to exercise is the best way to stay fat, but there are other factors that can lead to excess weight gain. While some of these factors may be out of your control, there are a few that you can address, starting today....... -
Yoga For Weight Loss Are you looking for an easy and efficient way to lose weight? One of the perfect solutions to weight loss is to implement yoga into your daily exercise routine. No, you do not need to overwhelm yourself with crazy pretzel-like positions to make it happen. Many yoga students offer special...... -
Is Swimming The Ultimate Exercise? When it comes to finding the right workout plan, it may be a good idea to consider giving swimming a try. As the nation watched Mark Phelps make history in 8 swimming events, more people started getting interested in just how good swimming can be for your body. As you...... -
4 Heart Healthy Exercises If you want to get on the road to a healthy and full life, you need to focus not only on losing weight, but also doing exercises that are going to benefit your most powerful organ, your heart. It may be tough at first, but it's important that you......
Related Websites -
How Many Calories Are You Burning (When You Run)? [caption id="attachment_39" align="alignleft" width="240" caption="You burn more calories running."][/caption] Counting calories can be tough, particularly if you're the obsessive type who likes to pinpoint exactly how many calories you're taking in and burning. But having more information at your disposal can help you to get a good idea of what...... -
Re-establishing an exercise routine I recently went to the doctor for a full physical for the first time in three years. I waited so long because I always had something “more important” to do: busy with a new job, Bubelah was pregnant, Little Buddy had arrived. If you have a newborn at home, you...... -
Soreness after a workout: Burn and recover Last night I did my pushups for week 2, day 1 of the hundred pushups challenge. Afterwards I went running for about 1.5-2 miles. It feels good to get back into the swing of things, and once you get going you can feel that your body enjoys getting the exercise...... -
Put Your Brain Where Your Money Is: Think to Save Use your brain to help you save money. Take a few moments out of your day to think about the things you do and what you could change or do instead to save money while still accomplishing the same or improved results....
- Ski Machines Cardiovascular Equipment Gym, Workout Yoga Exercise Fitness
- Clothing Running Exercise Fitness
- Stair Machines Steppers Cardiovascular Equipment Gym, Workout Yoga Exercise Fitness
- Hats Headwear Clothing, Shoes Accessories Gym, Workout Yoga Exercise Fitness
- Support Protective Gear Clothing, Shoes Accessories Gym, Workout Yoga Exercise Fitness
Time the change your life? No longer content to live a sedentary lifestyle and revel in couch potatoism? Click here to download the 31 page the 100% FREE eBook "How to Lose Weight and Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle."
Categories:
exercise, injury, moderation, wellness
Tags:
5 comments ↓
people forget how important number three is!!
thanks for the reminder to the masses,
M.
[...] Ladder / Rich Leverage presents 4 Ways to Injury Proof Your Next Workout posted at Weight Ladder, saying, “After hurting myself in normal volleyball play I have found [...]
[...] is definitely a sign that you overexerted, but it is also a sign that your body is beginning to adapt to a new and more strenuous routine. [...]
[...] most of us don’t go into a workout with the hopes of ending up injured, it can happen. Workout related injuries are very common, especially if you are doing it on your own, without the benefit of an instructor or trainer. [...]
[...] We’ve all been conditioned to think that unless we “feel the burn” we’re not working hard enough when we exercise. However, there is a fine line between reaching that optimum fat burning zone and over doing it. Here are some tips to help you figure out when your exercise is hurting instead of helping you. [...]
Leave a Comment