Playing sports and exercising offer many rewards and benefits for our physical and mental health. However, the physical nature of sports and exercise can result in painful injuries. This is why it is important to follow these ten guidelines for practicing any type of sport or exercise.

Always Use Protective Equipment

Depending on what sport you are playing, this includes properly fitting pads, helmets, face guards, mouthpieces, protective cups, eyewear, shin guards, etc. Be aware that even this protective gear may not protect you from all injuries.

Don’t Skip Out on Warm-ups or Cool-Downs

Before playing a sport, you need to warm up and stretch your muscles. Failing to do so can result in painful injuries like muscle strains and tears. Cooling down helps you avoid feeling light-headed or dizzy. Stretching during your cool-down can help prevent injuries as well.

Stretch Regularly In Your Daily Routine

Daily stretching is a great way to prevent sports injuries because it increases your flexibility, making you less likely to damage a muscle, tendon, or ligament when you play a sport. Nevertheless, you can injure yourself stretching if you do it incorrectly. The correct way to stretch is slowly and gently. Do not bounce into your stretches; instead, breathe into them. Activities like yoga can help you increase your flexibility and learn the proper breathing techniques.

Condition Your Muscles

Building up the muscles you use to exercise or play a sport makes them more resilient to injury.

Always Use the Proper Technique

Follow the proper technique when you are stretching, conditioning, and playing a sport. Otherwise, you can injure yourself doing any of these activities.

Take Breaks and Time Off

You should not push yourself to play for long periods of time without taking breaks, especially if it’s hot outside. Taking regular breaks can prevent heat-related and other injuries. Also, take time off to let your body recover from playing a sport or exercising. This can prevent overuse injuries like tendonitis caused by too much athletic activity.

Always Follow the Rules of the Game

The rules of the game protect the athletes playing it, so you should learn them well and always follow them to protect yourself and the players around you.

Be Aware of Your Surroundings

Watch out for other players, their equipment, or other elements of the sport, which could harm you.

If You Feel Pain, End Physical Activity

Feeling pain is not normal, and it should signal you to stop playing or exercising. Failing to do so can make an injury more damaging to your body. If you’ve sustained an injury and are uncertain about what to do, you can use online resources like Curely.co to speak directly to a doctor via phone or email and receive professional feedback on what steps to take.

Stay Well Hydrated

Drink plenty of fluids before, during, and after you play a sport or exercise. During high temperatures, you may have to stop or cut back your playing or outdoor training, as well as consume more liquids than normal.

In summary, always stay aware of your body. If you experience pain, discomfort, or an injury while playing a sport or exercising, then slow down or stop, and if it persists, seek out the proper medical attention.