Workout injuries are the bane of any athlete’s existence. While regular exercise improves our overall health and keeps the doctor away, an injury has the exact opposite effect. Sometimes injuries can’t be avoided, but most times taking preventative measures can be the difference between a good running or weightlifting session and a sprained ankle or torn bicep.

If you’re reading this you’ve probably fallen victim to an injury, intense soreness, or some type of pain that has put a pause on your routine. But we’re here with some advice on things you can do to prevent injuries before they become a problem.

Here are some tips to fend off injuries and to stay on track with your exercise routine and health goals:

Don’t Skip Warming Up and Cooling Down

A good warm-up gets your blood flowing, your heart rate up, your oxygen levels on point, and your muscles ready and stretched for your workout. Running in place, jogging at a comfortable pace, jumping jacks, jump rope, yoga, and any exercise that incorporates simple movements can be a real game changer before starting your routine.

Cooling down is another great way to ensure your body stays healthy. At the end of your routine use the last ten minutes to slow it down and allow your body to ease into a slower pace bringing your heart rate and breathing back to a normal level.

Always Incorporate Stretching

Stretching is a great way to loosen up and get you muscles, joints, and ligaments ready for your work out. Stretching should be done in 15-30 second increments allowing your body to gain flexibility for the real work to come. Stretching is also a great way to get your blood flowing and improve your health significantly.

Try These Supplements

Creatine Monohydrate

Not only will JBN’s Creatine Monohydrate boost energy and endurance, but it also prevents injury by increasing satellite cell signaling which helps your muscles recover from intense workouts. It can also assist in reducing cramping, dehydration, and serious injuries to muscles, tendons, ligaments, bones, and nerves.

L-Glutamine

JBN’s L-Glutamine improves immunity, fights free radicals, removes excess waste and toxins from our systems, speeds up muscle repair, and reduces injury risks. L-Glutamine is an amino acid with many benefits that make it highly beneficial for our health. If you are someone who likes to push yourself hard during a workout, incorporating L-Glutamine into your routine is a great way to stay fit and fend off injuries.

Ease into Workouts

If you’re starting a new workout or just getting back to your routine after a hiatus, remember to take your time easing back in. Do not jump in where you left off months ago, and if it’s a new workout do not jump in as if it’s the same exercise you’ve been doing for the past year. Start at a reasonable rate, whether that means just a few sets of weights or running only a half mile to begin training for a marathon. Pick up the pace week by week and before you know it, you’ll be going at the rate you desire.

Listen to Your Body

Being sore or experiencing some minor pain is expected when working out - they don’t say “no pain no gain” for no reason. But if you have pain that is affecting your ability to walk or function in normal ways, or if you feel exceptionally tired constantly, it’s a good idea to switch up your routine. Allow your body some rest from your current exercise and come back to it when you’re ready - or when you’ve done some research/consulted a medical professional that has explained what you can do to fix the problem.

Try these tips and tricks for preventing injuries and meet your goals fast! Also be sure to check out the JBN website for more supplement options, join our mailing list, and read our blog for other tips and tricks to get the most out of your workouts!

And please remember, before making any significant changes to your diet or exercise routine, to always consult with a medical professional first!