Each spring, hundreds of people are admitted to hospital with sports related injuries. According to Sports Medicine Australia spokesperson Dr David Bolzonello, this is largely due to people trying to build their fitness too quickly.

“As summer approaches, many people who have been in hibernation all winter come out to exercise, and more often than not they want to see results and they want to see them fast. It is for this reason that they push themselves to the limit,” said Dr Bolzonello.

“People must remember not to exercise beyond their physical capabilities. By only doing what you are capable of, injury risks are considerably reduced.”

To stay injury-free, Sports Medicine Australia offers these tips:

• If you have any health concerns or pre-existing medical conditions, see your doctor for a check-up before embarking on a new fitness program.
• If playing a new sport, make sure you do a pre-season or some sort of training before competition.
• Before exercising or playing sport, practise and use the correct skills and techniques.
• Cross-train with other sports and exercises to reduce the risk of overtraining.
• Choose an activity you enjoy. This way you’re more likely to stick to it.
• Listen to your body – if it hurts, don’t do it. If you are unsure as to why it is hurting, seek advice from a sports medicine professional.
• Always warm up, stretch and cool down.

• Drink water before, during and after exercise.

For further advice on how to exercise safely, visit www.sma.org.au

Runner’s World Australia & New Zealand is a magazine and website that informs, advises, and motivates runners of all ages and abilities. Visit us www.runnersworldonline.com.au