Most people have a New Years resolution to lose more weight and get in shape. Yoga, fitness and all kinds of exercise classes are filling up at this time of year. Most people don’t do enough research on their fitness regimen or don’t consult a health professional before beginning their routine. Many people exercise vigorously with little or inadequate supervision, and these are the people most at risk of injury.
The first thing to worry about when starting an exercise or fitness regimen is how not to hurt yourself. Many chiropractors, orthopedic surgeons, and spine doctors get a lot of new clients once someone starts exercising without proper training or supervision on how to do it not only effectively but also safely. Many fitness instructors have no medical background and little knowledge of biomechanics or anatomy, so it’s very easy to get injured, especially if it’s a vigorous and challenging program. Common injuries include pulled hamstrings, tendonitis, herniated disc, as well as all sorts of mysterious chronic pain conditions that can crop up.
Most people don’t first start with a conditioning program to gently get their body back into shape. These people are at higher risk of injury as they are highly motivated but their bodies are not ready to start an intense regimen.
Before choosing a gym, exercise program, or personal trainer, you should arm yourself with the knowledge of how to first condition your body with dynamic stretching routines so you don’t tear a muscle in the first place. Walking is one of the safest forms of exercise, so start improving your cardiovascular health by doing about thirty minutes of brisk walking a day. If that feels like a big commitment, make appointments to walk with friends and family or take the dog with you. Even children enjoy a nice brisk walk and will enjoy this uninterrupted time with you. Make your next date night a lovely walk in the park or on the beach and then enjoy a picnic or a cup of coffee or tea.
When choosing a program, make sure gym staff are well versed in preventing injuries and working with and keeping people with various medical conditions safe.
Have a training partner to go to your workouts with you. You can connect with your friend and hold each other accountable. Cheer each other up when you’re feeling down and cheer each other up as you go through your workouts.