Safety First During Exercise!

By Donna Stark

Spring is right around the corner, and with it comes all the added stress of trying to figure out how you are going to get your body back into shape so that it looks good come summertime. Many people are already envisioning early morning workouts, afternoon fitness classes, and nightly runs to achieve their fitness goals, but few are including plans for their overall safety during those times. Running the risk of getting hurt in order to look good in the span of a few weeks is not worth the potential pain down the road. So, whether you are a fresh face in the fitness community or have been working out for years and years, making smart decisions regarding your workouts is critical. Here are a few tips on how to put your safety first once you decide to improve what you see in the mirror.

Pain Doesn't Mean Progress

It's time we stop believing that old saying, "No pain, no gain." There is a marked difference between pushing yourself to improve your fitness and pushing yourself to feel pain, and if you want to get and stay fit, you'll do your best to avoid the latter. It's vital to understand and know your physical limits during your workouts and to slow down or stop completely if a part of your body is starting to hurt. If you are unsure of your capabilities, ask a personal trainer for help.

Sloths Can Inspire

In addition to being super cute, sloths can also serve as a great role model when it comes time to taking things slow, especially in the gym. Now, I know you won't become friends with a bunch of sloths on the treadmills, but you can certainly mimic their behavior if you are new to working out. Take your time to stretch before working out, ease into heavier weights, and increase your intensity slowly. It's all about avoiding those injuries and burnouts that can sideline you from reaching your goals.

Chiropractic Care Can Help

If you want your body to operate at maximum potential during physical activity, the best thing you can do is to get routine chiropractic care. By placing your body in proper alignment, your local chiropractors at The Joint Chiropractic can reduce joint restrictions and alleviate the pressure that is being placed on your body's nervous system. Regular chiropractic care encourages your body to function at its best and can reduce the risk of future pain and injury.

Safety First

You know you can't wait to pull out all of your spring and summer clothes so make sure you are taking the right precautions and are putting your safety first while working out. After all, life isn't fun (or cute) when you are injured!

To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Raleigh, N.C.