If you’re thinking about trying a new sport, there are a few things to keep in mind to help you avoid injury. Sports injuries can be very serious and can lead to even bigger problems down the road. That’s why it’s important to do all you can to avoid them.
Understand the Rules
Knowing the rules of the sport will keep you safe during the game. Rules against illegal blocking or tackling have been put in place to help players avoid injuries. Knowing and abiding by the rules will not only keep you safe but will help you avoid injuring other players.
Get Plenty of Rest
Sports can be very taxing on the body and can quickly fatigue your muscles. Getting proper rest will give time for your body to recover. Too much physical activity in a short amount of time can easily lead to injury.
It’s also important to rest and not play as needed. If you’re feeling stress on your muscles or joints, it will be much more effective to take a break from your activity of choice than to push through it and risk further injury.
Gives Yourself Time to Stretch and Warm-Up
The most important thing you can do to prevent sports injuries is warm-up and stretch. Giving your body a light warm-up will prepare your muscles for harder physical exertion.
If you have previous sports injuries, it’s important to prepare as necessary to avoid further injury. If you’ve injured your knee and are require to wear a brace when playing sports, make sure you always wear it and pay more attention to your knee during warm-up.
It’s also important to prepare your body after physical activity. Never immediately stop an activity. Ease into the stop. If going on a run, slow down to a jog or a walk for a few minutes and always stretch after any physical activity as well.
Use the Proper Equipment
Some sports require paddings, such as football and hockey. Other sports (like soccer or racquetball) have other types of protection, such as shin guards and goggles. These are very important to wear because they protect parts of the body that commonly receive impact during the game.
These simple but important steps will help you care for your body before, during and after physical activity to help avoid injuries.