It is very important to avoid injuries when working out, no matter if you’ve been doing it for a long time or are just beginning. If you’re only going to be careless or push yourself to the point of getting injured, then what was the point of trying to get yourself into shape? It defeats the purpose. The thing is, most of us are generally trying to keep an eye on our safety while doing a workout, but there are many factors that can lead to injury that we don’t think of. How we begin, how much water we drink, and what equipment we use are among the many factors that we don’t always associate with injuries. If you want to avoid injuries as much as possible, you need to understand all the varying factors that affect the possibility of one. Follow these tips for reducing injuries during a workout to keep yourself safe and healthy.

Include Warmups and Stretches

Taking several minutes before you officially start your workout to warm up is key to avoiding serious injuries. When we say warm up, keep the emphasis on the word “warm.” You want to get moving in ways that will make your muscles warmer and less tense during regular exercise. This ensures that the muscles receive the proper blood flow and nutrients they need to perform. Cold muscles will be stiff and much more prone to injury, so keep your warmups active. Walking is always a great way to start, and then you can go into dynamic stretches, pushups, or arm and leg lifts. Stretching is also an incredibly important part of your warmup. Stretching properly will increase your body’s flexibility, which will prevent muscle pulls and tears. Make sure you are also stretching at the end of your workout. This will help with muscle strain from the intense activity your body’s just been through, and it will also clear lactic acid from your muscles, which will make them less sore.

Select Your Workouts Carefully

Making sure to pick workouts that are suitable for you and what your body can handle is imperative for avoiding injuries. People with serious conditions like arthritis or osteoporosis will not be safe doing workouts that consist of high-impact exercises. An activity like running can be extremely wearing on the knees, as well as the ankles. This can also cause increased foot problems. For situations like this, there are great non-impact workouts, including swimming, using an elliptical machine, and cycling.

Learn Your Workout Routine

When it comes to reducing injuries during a workout, learning the proper technique of the workout routine is one of the most important precautions to take. It is easy to see or hear what a workout involves and to assume you can just jump right into it. Every workout, though, has a form that you must train your body to adhere to for it to be safe and effective. A great example is learning to properly perform squats. This involves learning the correct posture, engaging the correct muscles, and even knowing how to properly handle the equipment—especially if you are going to use a barbell or free weights. One of the best ways to learn the correct form for different exercises is to work with a trainer. The next best thing is to work with a friend or someone you know who has a strong knowledge of workouts. You can also search online for videos of professionals who walk you through proper form.

Don’t Push Yourself Too Hard Too Soon

When it comes to exercising, don’t try to go too hard too fast, especially if you are a beginner. Your body is not used to a hard workout and will not be able to handle too much stress. This includes running for too long, lifting too heavy of a weight, and even trying to bike on too high of a gear. You must allow your muscles to gradually adjust to the motions and stress you put them through. Increase your speed, weight, or resistance over a period of weeks, or as you feel ready. Also, don’t try to add extra exercises to your daily workout routine. Set your plan from the beginning, and don’t touch it again until you are ready to progress to the next level.

Stay Properly Hydrated

Before, during, and after your workout, make sure you’re drinking an ample amount of water. Proper hydration is the thing your body will crave most to get through a full exercise. If you go into a workout dehydrated, the sweat you produce will only worsen the condition, which can affect your system. This will lead to further risk of injuries. Proper hydration also keeps your muscles from cramping up, as well as providing lubrication to your joints. When you finish your workout, you need to continue to drink more water to properly replenish your system and electrolytes.

Invest in Proper Gear and Equipment

Start with purchasing a pair of proper athletic shoes. These will provide proper arch and ankle support in your workouts. Many injuries, beyond those of the foot, can result from poor footwear. Running on bad shoes for a long period of time can cause stress and, eventually, injuries to your ankles, shins, and knees. You’ll also want to be wearing loose-fitting clothes that will allow you to breathe. Getting overheated can lead to many problems that may result in injuries. Workout equipment can be great for exercising at home, but you need to do your research beforehand to know what you’re getting and how to use it. It is best to invest in machines and equipment that are low-impact and user friendly. There are many great options for industrial gym equipment that you can search around for online, along with informative information.

Give Yourself a Proper Amount of Rest to Recover

Rest days are important. A couple of days off from rigorous workouts are necessary for you to progress properly. If you over-train and don’t give your body time to rest, you will be at a high risk of injury. When you feel exhausted or especially sore, that is a sign that it is time for you to relax. By continuing heavy workouts in this condition, you will wear down your muscles, which will prevent them from growing or strengthening. Eventually, this will make it very easy to strain or tear a muscle or ligament. Therefore, consider alternating your workouts every day to work different muscle groups. That way, the muscles you break down one day have time to repair and build back up stronger.