Taking on a New Fitness Challenge in 2012? Follow these Safety Tips

Are you beginning a new exercise routine or getting back to the gym after a hiatus in order to keep a New Year’s resolution? Be sure to follow these safety tips for a healthy, productive and safe workout!

No matter what you do for fitness, you should always be sure that you have the right gear. This includes wearing the right clothes and shoes, too. You should choose shoes that are not only relevant to the activity you are about to undertake, but you should also choose shoes that are appropriate for your particular gait. Loose-fitting, moisture-wicking or sweat-absorbing clothes should be chosen, as these fabrics will help keep you dry and cool while working out. The appropriate protective gear should always be worn for certain fitness activities, especially outdoor activities. Wearing protective pads and a helmet can often spare you from serious injury, which can prevent the need for a surprise visit to an orthopedic doctor.

You should always be cautious if you are experiencing excessive levels of discomfort or pain. Although muscles and joints can get sore and stiff after working out, experiencing pain during an exercise routine can indicate that something is wrong. Dizziness, chest pressure, nausea, cold sweats, muscle cramps and sharp muscle and joint pains are all indicators of trouble. If you are exercising and notice some of these warning signs, you should never abruptly stop exercising, as this may lead to fainting. Instead, you should attempt to slow your heart rate by lowering the intensity of the workout before stopping completely.

You should always check with a doctor or other healthcare professional before starting a new exercise routine, especially if you suffer from a chronic medical condition. Anyone who has undergone knee surgery will want to take extra precautions, including consulting a Kennedy Center orthopedic surgeon in Wisconsin for exercise advice. It is also a good idea to start slowly with a new exercise plan and gradually build upon it. If your body isn’t used to high levels of stress and exertion, then you might suffer severe injuries and medical problems.