Common Sense Health

Building healthy muscles and preventing injuries requires both common sense and careful preparation. By following a few basic principles, you can help ensure that your activity wont put you in the Doctor's office!

* Warm Up: This is the number one principle of injury prevention, consisting of three to five minutes of walking or jogging slow followed by a few minutes of stretching.

* Stay Flexible: Stretching during the warm-up and cooldown phases will help prevent muscle pulls and strains, as well as the general aches and pains that can occur after exercising.

* Slow is Best - Build Gradually: Start out slowly and build up gradually in intensity and duration of activity. Weekend athletes are famous for trying to do too much, too soon. Don't fall into this trap.

* Be Prepared: Use the right equipment for your sport, whether its a good pair of running shoes, or knee pads for roller-blading. Be sure its in good condition and is appropriate for your skill level (e.g., skis for beginners vs. experts).

* Rehydrate your body: Water is the best sports drink and you should drink plenty of it before, during and after exercise especially in warm weather. Keep drinking it throughout the day.

* Avoid Extreme Temperatures: Try not to exercise outdoors in extreme hot or cold weather, but, if you do, be sure to dress properly. Use caution against heat exhaustion or, at the other extreme, frostbite.

* Cool Down: Gradually decrease the intensity of your exercise activity to restore a normal heart rate. Stretching after you exercise is a great way to keep your muscles flexible and healthy. Walk for a few minutes until your breathing returns to a more normal rate and then take five or ten minutes to do some slow, easy stretches.

If you've been inactive for a while - take your time and build your workouts gradually increasing your exercise time. If losing weight is one of your goals, the good news is you can eat healthy, exercise and lose weight fast! Start your journey to better health today! Have more fun, live longer and boost your self esteem leading a healthy lifestyle. Make fitness a life-long habit. Start getting in shape fast and enjoying life more!