Athletes and those who regularly exercise tend to have greater muscle and bone mass than those who are sedentary. Their risk of many chronic illnesses like osteoporosis and heart disease is significantly lower than that of their sedentary counterparts. Vigorous exercise on the weekend after a sedentary week working at a desk increases your risk of injury. If you cannot engage in your favorite sport regularly, you should at least work out by running or by doing calisthenics during the week. Whether you favor golf, tennis, or racquetball, you should develop a program that requires exercise at least three times each week.
Proper conditioning minimizes the risk of injury.
Warm-ups start blood flow to the muscles and prepare them for the physical stress that will follow. A runner who fails to warm up and stretch before sprinting greatly increases the likelihood of suffering a muscle tear or strain due to tight muscles. Whether this is a sprain, strain, or fracture, make sure that the affected area has regained sufficient strength and flexibility to withstand repeated motions. When you have low back pain, avoid activities such as football and soccer that require sudden stops, bends, twists, and turns. The bending and twisting of bowling can also strain the back.