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Medical professionals and fitness buffs alike advocate for the myriad of health benefits that come with working out regularly. Increased energy, strength, and other pluses are serious motivators for getting active. However, exercise can also lead to a variety of health problems if not done properly. Follow these essential tips for safer workouts!

Always do a warm up
Warming up is essential before any workout. Before your session, incorporate light cardio for 5-10 minutes. Use the elliptical trainer, a stationary bike, or go for a short jog. The goal is to gradually increase circulation. After this, do light stretches to loosen up your muscles and joints, especially before any kind of weightlifting. Warming up before more strenuous exercise allows the body to prepare, which can prevent pulled muscles and joints.

Practice proper form
Always be sure you know the proper form for an exercise! Proper form is about controlling your movement, stance, and posture. This is vital for preventing problems and getting the most out of a session. If you take a fitness class or consult a personal trainer, your instructor pays special attention to the alignment of your spine and joints, as well as correct muscle use. Sometimes, this can make an exercise more challenging. Even if you cannot complete as many repetitions, doing them properly results in a greater payoff, and keeps injuries at bay.

Take breaks
Rest is an important part of getting fit! As you exercise, your muscle fibers break down on a microscopic level. As they heal, they become stronger. However, without a proper rest period, the body never has this opportunity to recuperate. This can lead to torn muscles, exhaustion, and other ailments. Allow yourself to recover by training muscle groups on alternate days, as well as taking a rest day each week.

Stay hydrated
This one is SO important! Especially with the warmer South Florida weather, it is crucial to make sure your water intake is increased for your workouts. Always carry water with you to prevent risk of dehydration. Keep in mind that it is important to hydrate before, during and after an exercise routine.

Listen to your body
Above all, always pay attention to your body’s signals. A challenging exercise tends to involve some level of discomfort. However, if you experience unusual sensations, such as sharp or excessive pain, nausea, vomiting, or dizziness, don’t ignore them. These are red flags that can indicate exhaustion or other complications. Slow down, take a break, or stop if the issue is severe. As always, consult a medical professional if you experience ongoing symptoms, or if you have questions about what kinds of exercises are safe for you.

Getting fit is a rewarding journey. In addition to cardio, strength training, and flexibility, make safety a part of your workout plan. Follow these tips to keep yourself safe and injury-free as you work to get strong and healthy!