The fear of getting hurt causes many people to pull back during exercise or give it up entirely, according to one survey. Find out how to avoid being sidelined by your workout.
VIDEO TRANSCRIPT
Hey, it’s Robert Davis, the Healthy Skeptic. One reason that many people, especially older folks, don’t exercise is fear of injury. In fact, exercise can be safe for people of all ages if you take certain precautions. Here are six to keep in mind.
One: Warm up.
Doing light activity for a few minutes along with so-called dynamic stretches, such as arm circles or leg swings, gets your blood flowing and helps prepare your body for what’s to come.
Two: Ease into a new routine.
Doing too much too soon can lead to injuries. Start slowly, and gradually increase the intensity.
Three: Use proper form.
Whatever the activity, make sure that all parts of your body are properly positioned and you’re doing the exercise correctly. You can find out how by watching videos online from trusted sources or working with a fitness professional.
Four: Listen to your body.
Forget the old adage, “no pain, no gain.” If you feel pain during exercise, stop and take a break. The same goes if you neel dizzy or nauseated.
Five: Mix it up.
Doing the same exercises too often can increase the risk of injuries.
Try to do different types of activities on different days, incorporating aerobic exercise like walking as well as strength training and stretching.
Six: Pay attention.
Injuries often happen because of carelessness… people dropping weights on their hands or feet, for example, or falling off treadmills because they’re distracted. Whatever your activity, be mindful of what you’re doing at all times.
In addition, it’s a good idea to talk to a health care provider before starting an exercise program, especially if you have a condition like diabetes or arthritis.
Once you get going, exercise can actually decrease your chances of injury from everyday activities by making you stronger and more fit. This and the many other benefits of exercise greatly outweigh the risks … as long as you’re smart about it.
For the truth about more fitness-related claims, check out my book, fitter faster. You’ll also learn how to slash your workout time and get even better results.