Health Tip: Help Prevent Exercise Injury

Don't forget to warm up and cool down

(HealthDay News) -- There's no surefire way to stay young, but plenty of regular exercise may be the closest way.

Nonetheless, you can over-exercise or work out incorrectly, increasing your chances of injury.

The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons offers these suggestions for proper exercise:

  • Take a few minutes to warm up with some light cardio exercise (walking or jogging) and gentle stretching before you begin your workout.
  • Always cool down after you're finished exercising.
  • Exercise consistently in a balanced way, instead of doing too much too infrequently.
  • Take lessons before you try a new exercise or sport, and make sure you have the proper equipment that fits well.
  • Pay attention to your body's warning signs, and adjust your workout accordingly. Don't just exercise "through the pain."
  • Don't increase your workout by more than 10 percent each week.

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