There comes a point in all of our lives when people have to make a choice between a lifestyle that is sedentary and one that involves being as active as possible through the medium of exercise. Since obesity has been known to increase one’s risk of obtaining a slew of diseases, making a choice to get started in exercise can indeed be an excellent one.

Since some people prefer to work out by themselves as opposed to those who desire a training partner or a trainer at the gym, the former group (without the services of a ‘spotter’) has a greater chance of risking injury in comparison to the latter.

So here are some safety tips that one must keep in mind before starting a beginner’s workout (or if you are trying to move to the intermediate level):

Tip #1: Answer the Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire (PAR-Q)

Most doctors, trainers and health clubs around the world use this questionnaire in order to determine a person’s current level of fitness just so that the possibility of injury or harm to the person can be avoided at the outset.

This questionnaire consists of a set of simple closed-ended questions that only require one to answer with a simple Yes/ No.

Tip #2: Using the right gear

This is another simple aspect but it is often overlooked causing injuries when you least expect it. One must be cognizant of getting the right gear in the form of shoes that fit as well as choosing clothes that absorb and remove sweat from your skin. Also, if you are actively involved in high contact sports in the form of skating, biking etc., it is imperative that one invests in protective gear such as helmets, elbow and knee pads and so on and so forth to prevent injury.

Tip #3: Know your limits and when to stop

While it is obvious that one will experience discomfort when training (as well as having to deal with Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness), there are times when your body can warn you of its limits in the form of pain, cramps, dizziness and so on and so forth. Slow down immediately, and choose to rest instead of pushing yourself harder.