Exercise Safety Tips for Beginners
By Sara Butler
If you’ve made the choice to work more physical activity into your day, then congratulations! You’ve taken an important and very large step toward a healthy lifestyle. But just as with numerous other things that are good for you, exercise comes with its own set of risks. These risks increase if it’s been a while since you were active. Here are a few tips to help you get back into the swing of things safely and smartly.
Before You Begin
If you’re going to increase your level of physical activity, then you should consult with a trusted medical professional in your life. Your doctor or chiropractor is a great place to start, as long as it’s a professional who has a good grasp of your medical history and current physical condition. Consulting with a personal trainer may not be a bad idea either.
It’s important to remember the golden rule of exercise safety – always start slowly. You have to build your exercise duration and intensity gradually. If you try to make up for lost time and go for the gusto, then you could end up injured.
Get the Right Gear
A lot of setbacks and injuries occur when people first begin an exercise routine because they’re not prepared. You need the right gear for the exercise adventure on which you are about to embark. Make sure to:
- Wear the right shoes for the right activity
- Wear appropriate exercise clothing
- Use the right protective gear
- Avoid weights on the wrist and ankles.
Know the Warning Signs
If you’re bopping along with your earbuds in and are uncomfortable but not in pain, then that’s the perfect place to be. But it’s important to listen to your body when you are exercising. A little discomfort is OK, but there are some warning signs you should be on the lookout for, such as:
- Pain in your chest
- Feeling dizzy
- Feeling sick
- Breaking out in a cold sweat
- Feeling sharp pain in any joint
- Muscle cramps
- Irregular or racing heart
If any of these are experienced during aerobic exercise, then slow down. Gradually allow your heart rate to drop before you totally stop. However, if any pain is sudden and severe, then immediately stop and get help.
A large part of exercise is prevention. Know your body’s limits and give it the food, rest, water, and attention it needs to work at its very best.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Lake Forest, Calif.