Staying fit is great. Getting injured sucks. But when you workout regularly, there’s a chance that you can suffer from an injury like a sprain, strain, or even a break. If you know the right prevention measures, you can actually avoid these kinds of risks altogether. The following will help you be better prepared for your workouts so you reduce the risk of injury:
1. Flexibility: First step is to ensure that all your major joint areas are strong and flexible. That would include your spine, knees, wrists, etc. You must also ensure that they have full range of motion.
How can you ensure this? One way is by doing at least one 20-minute stretching session per week before you engage in a work out. If you ensure these areas are flexible, you reduce the risk of harming them.
2. Agility: The next thing you want to look at is your agility. You judge how agile you are by figuring out your reaction time and general coordination. One way to improve agility is by running an agility ladder or tire array at least twice per month.
3. Power: Next thing you want to look into is your power. How fast are you able to move out of harm’s way? One of the best ways to increase power is by incorporating a burpee and a 15-yard sprint. This will help you increase power tremendously. Shoot for at least 5 in row during your next workout.
4. Balance: Another thing you want to consider is your balance. Your balance is determined by how well you are able to hold yourself vertical when engaged on an uneven surface or when carrying an awkward shaped object. To increase your balance, start doing single-leg medicine ball tosses with a partner.
READ MORE: The injury-prevention training guide