Friday, February 27, 2009

Avoid Workout Injuries With These Tips

By Kat Wendersen

Pain comes with exercise, especially when you are just starting out. Muscles that have been sedentary will ache and become sore when they are suddenly used. This is just natural. But be wary of pain. Make sure that you know when it is time to seek help.

Getting into a regular workout does the body a lot of good. It will be difficult at first. But as the muscles grow accustomed to being used more frequently, it is developed and becomes stronger. It takes time and perseverance to achieve your exercise goals.

It is always wise to consult an expert. Incessant pains, aches, and soreness could mean you are doing something wrong. Your technique might be incorrect or you are might be over-extending the use of some muscles or worse, you have a medical problem that needs immediate attention.

Work up to any vigorous routine slowly. How slowly will vary from person to person, depending on age, experience, prior exercise routines and overall fitness. Get muscles warm and limber before cranking it up. Most strains and rips result from being too cold and not stretching, or extending more than you're ready for.

It is advisable to do a 15-minute warm up before going into your workout. What warm up exercises can you do? Jog in place or do jumping jacks. Get your muscles warmed up, lubricated, and stretched first. Doing so will prevent torn cartilages and other injuries. Keep in mind that injuries take a long time to heal.

It is always good to deal with qualified and dependable trainers. They are equipped with the know-how to properly guide you. They can devise the proper workout especially for you and your needs.

Anyone who takes fitness seriously needs to commit one's self to doing it properly. However, do not overdo it, as this may cause you injury rather than good health. The goal is to stay healthy and improve overall body strength.

Get expert advice before doing any new routine or exercise. This is to get the correct form and technique. Many injuries arise from improper warm up and doing the exercise incorrectly. Do not be afraid to ask help from an expert. If you do not know the proper use of a certain machine, do not be afraid to ask. The experts are there precisely for this reason -- to teach proper technique and show you how to use exercise machines correctly.

Scout your surrounding before beginning your workout. You do not want to crash against the wall or bump into somebody while you do your routine. Eyeball the area where you jog. Know the terrain and surface condition. Watch out for cars and other people around you. Be aware of your surroundings and keep your reflexes active.

Stay within your comfort zone as you gradually expand it. One of the foremost reasons people give up on workouts is injuries produced by working beyond their capacity. That makes working out no longer fun. Building up, while you build out, to increase your ability to do more, faster will keep you going for years to come.

Your health will thank you for exercising common sense, while you exercise your body. - 15255

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