How to Work With a Trainer to Avoid Injury

An injury can completely derail your exercise plan. Unfortunately, a lot of workout-breaking injuries are caused by the workout itself. Incorrect techniques and overeagerness are two leading causes of workout injury, but there are many others. A good trainer can work with you to help you learn to avoid injury while exercising. Follow these steps to learn more.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Avoid Exercise Injury With Help From a Trainer

1. Learn proper stretching techniques. When you start to work together, one of the first things your trainer will teach you is how to stretch. You must stretch before and after a workout. Stretching helps keep your muscles loose and loose muscles are less prone to injuries.
2. Lift weights the right way. Using improper technique to lift weights can cause serious injury to your muscles and ligaments. Avoid injury by heeding your trainer's instruction on safe weight lifting and never try to lift more than is comfortable for you.
3. Stop immediately if you feel pain. Working out may not feel great, especially if you are new to it, but it should never hurt. Pushing on in a workout in spite of pain can cause an injury or aggravate an existing one.
4. Keep hydrated. Dehydration can lead to confusion and loss of coordination, which can lead to injury while exercising. Avoid this by keeping plenty of water or sports drinks nearby during your workout.
5. Take your time. Your trainer is going to start you out slowly on your workout routine, allowing you to gradually increase your strength and endurance. Do not try to push ahead too quickly. Overexerting yourself beyond your training level is a quick route to injury.

Tips & Warnings

• Wear proper shoes. A comfortable pair of tennis shoes or sneakers that fit you well will go a long way toward keeping you safe from muscle or ligament injury. Choose a pair of shoes made of breathable material and with cushioned heels for maximum protection.
• Work on your stretches even on the days you don't exercise. This will keep your muscles limber and in proper condition for your workout days. Just 5 to 10 minutes of mild to moderate stretching is all you need to do to keep your muscles conditioned.
• When working out outdoors in the summer, avoid getting overheated. Heat exhaustion and sunstroke are two very serious conditions that can result. In general, it is best not to exercise outdoors between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. in hot climates.