5 Ways To Prevent Injury When Exercising
Exercising is one of the best things you can do for your body, but pushing past your limits can easily result in an injury. If you want to reduce your risk of a sports-related injury, here are a few tips to keep in mind.
Warm-Up Before Working Out
No matter what your workout routine is like, your muscles need to be warmed up before you use them. Cold muscles don’t stretch or flex very well, and too much strain can cause them to tear. To avoid this, do some light warm-up exercises before you dive into an intense workout. A brisk walk, some jumping jacks or jogging in place are all ideal to get your blood flowing.
Stretch Before and After
Similar to warming up, stretching your muscles out before excessive exertion helps reduce tension and increase your flexibility. Take some time to stretch after you’ve warmed up your muscles — light yoga is great for limbering up, but some basic stretches will also do the job. Stretching cold muscles also poses a risk of tearing, so make sure you’re already up and moving first.
Don’t Push Too Hard
You know your body better than anyone, so listen to it. If certain movements feel uncomfortable or painful, don’t push yourself too hard. Overextending yourself poses a major risk of tearing or otherwise incapacitating your muscles. If you feel like you’ve pulled or torn something while exercising, you can contact any sports clinic Mississauga has to offer.
Get Enough Sleep
The body does most of its reparative work while you’re in REM sleep, and missing out on it makes it much harder for your body to heal. By maintaining a steady sleep schedule, you can give your body a chance to recover from your regular workouts and allow your muscles and spine to decompress.
Maintain a Healthy Diet
Nutrition plays a huge role in your physical performance, and eating a healthier diet can significantly boost your strength, focus and flexibility. Try to consume plenty of lean protein, fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains and unsaturated fats in your meals. Hydration is also crucial, so drink plenty of water before, during and after exercise.
By taking preventative measures to rest and nourish your body, you can enjoy all the benefits of your workout without fear or accidentally injuring yourself. These tips are a great way to improve not only your exercise routine but your overall health as well.
