6 Tips to Prevent Injuries During Exercise

“The most important aspect of preventing injuries is gradual progression,” says Cameron Barr, MD, a Scripps Clinic orthopedic surgeon with offices in Carmel Valley and Torrey Pines. “Be kind to yourself and take it slow. A lot of people might remember what they were like at a younger age and feel like they can get back to that level without moderation.” Whether it’s training for a marathon or jumping back onto the basketball court, be mindful to slowly ramp up the intensity, especially if you’re making a return after some couch time.

Ankle sprains, fractures and Achilles tendon ruptures are among the most common injuries to the lower extremities. Dr. Barr adds that this is often due to going from zero to 100.

Stretching, strengthening and losing weight all contribute to staying injury free. Beware of twisting, pivoting or high-impact planting motions — all movements that can strain the feet and ankles. To get back up to speed, Dr. Barr recommends nonimpact exercises like stationary cycling, swimming or using an elliptical trainer.

Calf tightness can lead to injury. To counteract that, try heel drops: exercises where you stand on the edge of a step on your tiptoes and lower your heels down until your feet are flat.

Warm up and start slowly to avoid injuries to the hip, shoulder and neck. Eat healthy, stay hydrated, wear shoes with good arch support and, perhaps most importantly, cross-train, says Brian Rebolledo, MD, an orthopedic surgeon and sports medicine specialist at Scripps Clinic Torrey Pines. “Giving your muscles a break from the same routine is good, and may help with fat-burning capabilities as well.”

Gym-goers and athletes often suffer shoulder and biceps injuries. But hips and upper extremities can hurt at times even absent an injury. If something hurts, switch up your workout and give those muscles a rest. “Don’t push through pain,” Dr. Rebolledo says.