Health Tip: Help Prevent Exercise Injury

From Our 2011 Archives

(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.

-- Diana Kohnle