by Kate Johns

Created on: October 19, 2008   Last Updated: October 30, 2008

How do you prevent workout injuries from wreaking havoc on your body? You could not workout at all. Or you could wander around talking to hot looking guys at the gym. This way you will avoid any workout related injuries, but you wouldn't be getting into great shape.

To get into great shape and prevent workout injuries from happening follow these lifesaving tips:

LEARN HOW FIRST

Before setting foot into the gym for that first all- important workout, do yourself a favor-learn how to utilize the workout machines before you workout. Take a tour of the gym with a fitness instructor before working out. Ask how to utilize the workout equipment. Ask for a demonstration if you feel unsure of the equipment. Find out if the workout facility has classes on how to use the equipment. Find out if a trainer can work with you for the first couple of times so that you find out the proper methods for using the equipment and you don't get hurt.

STRETCHING

What is perhaps the most important part of any workout? Stretching your muscles so that they become flexible enough for the workout. Stretching helps your muscles become more elastic, so that they don't become injured during a workout. By stretching them before, this helps prepare them for a workout. Stretching even before going for a long or a fast walk will help also. Otherwise you could tear a muscle and then not be able to workout for a while.

WARM UP

Warming your body up before any physical aerobic activity can be your greatest workout tool in the prevention of injury. Before jumping into a strenuous exercise routine you have to ease into it. The best way of doing this is to warm up first by running slowly, doing light calisthenics or riding a bike to warm up those muscles. You need to consider that when you engage in any activity your body needs to get a little warm up routine before it can perform up to optimum peak levels. It's similar to drinking coffee, and looking at e-mail before starting the workday.

WHEN TO STOP

While you are working out you have to know your limits. Sometimes when you are working out, you start to feel really great and feel like you don't want to stop. But, you also have to realize that you don't want to push yourself too hard so that you aren't ill the next day. You don't want to end up in the emergency room after having a run a marathon race that you thought you could handle with no problem.

HYDRATION

While you are working out, remember to properly hydrate yourself. Drink plenty of water so that your body

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