Thursday, December 20, 2007

Fitness Safety Tips

fitnessWe’re always up to our toes to lose the extra pounds. The problem is, others tend to overdo it to speed up getting back into shape. Here are just a few reminders on how to keep sweating towards a healthier you – less the injury and risk factors:

* Consult a health professional.
If you’re starting out on a new Fitness routine, remember to consult a health professional to provide expert advice before you begin. This is a must to foresee possible health risks posed by the exercise, especially for those with medical conditions. It is best to seek professional guidance rather than risking your health and safety.


* Warm up and stretch.
The vital parts in every exercise routine are stretching or warming up. Often overlooked when starting out one’s exercise regimen, stretching actually prepares your muscles to the impending rigidity of your workout. A good pointer is to do a less strenuous version of the exercise you’re about to do. Warming up prevents you to feel the strain of your activity by gradually increasing your heart rate, and puts off the buildup of lactic aid that causes soreness and tiredness in your muscles. A good 5- to 10-minute warm up is necessary before you exercise.


* Drink plenty of fluids.
Dehydration is one of the common problems suffered by individuals who frequently exercise. This may pose as a serious problem as water is a vital component of the human body, making up almost 78% of our body. Make sure you hydrate by drinking plenty of fluids so that which is lost from sweating is restored back to your body. Fluids help muscle endurance, as dehydrated muscles easily get sore and tired.


* Work with a Fitness partner.
A Fitness partner or a buddy may be helpful especially if you are not exercising under the watchful eye of a Fitness Trainer. A Fitness friend can be your spotter, motivator, or warn you in case you are overtraining. Besides, working with someone is better than exercising alone. It makes all the exercise much more fun.


* Wear the right kind of clothing and footwear.
Wearing the wrong shoe is usually the common cause of exercise injuries. Make sure that you’re wearing the right shoe size, and provide much needed support for your feet. Appropriate clothing is also a must. Wear comfortable clothes that are quick to dry and allow you to move freely during your regimen.


* Know your limitations.
Most of us tend to overdo our Fitness regimen just to shed off those extra calories we have gained. Try resting for a day in between your Fitness regimen to allow your muscles and body to recover. Muscle soreness and discomfort may lead to burnout and you may have to give up on your regimen all too quickly.


Remember these Fitness Safety tips so you can stay healthy and out of harm's way.

Source @ abc-of-fitness.com

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