Fortunately, people are becoming more health- and fitness-conscious these days. Instead of spending all their time in malls, this new generation of working millennials is investing in gym memberships, fashionable workout clothes, fad diets, and healthy food choices. But this does not mean it’s a completely smooth journey toward getting fit.

Some of those who are just starting their fitness journey are too afraid to end up in a physiotherapy clinic in Singapore or other countries, getting treatment for their gym-related injuries. They end up baulking at the chance of working out in a gym or even the simple idea of running a short marathon. The only choice left is for them to watch their food intake. But you know that a healthy lifestyle is more than just about eating the right food.

To make sure that you’re not going to get injured while working out (either outdoors or in a gym), here are some things you can follow:

Get a Coach or Trainer

If you’re unsure about what program to follow, you need to hire a coach or a trainer who will guide you in the right exercise and workout routine for you. The coach will determine the right program by assessing your capabilities, lifestyle, weight, and health. Trainers and coaches can give you safety tips and guide you on how to progress and achieve your goals without getting injured.

Warm up

The problem with most people is that they forget to warm up before exercising. They think that they can just strain their muscles to do the routine without getting injured in the future. It is never a good idea to strain your cold muscles. Make sure that your body is warm enough so that the blood will flow to your working muscles. It will also mentally prepare you for the exercise.

Do Different Training

You need to change your routine regularly. By doing different activities, your muscles will have a much-needed break from doing the same routine every day. Your body will benefit from diversifying your exercise. You will hit different muscle groups if you do different routines every day. Studies have also shown that it is faster to burn fat when you do different types of exercise.

Do Not Force Your Body

Just because you could run on the treadmill for 9 kilometres per hour with a 9% incline five years ago does not mean that you can do the same thing again today. Be smart about your exercise. Listen to your body. You cannot force your body to do what you’ve been doing the past five years because as we age, we lose some of the strength of our youth. Be kind to your body and do not force it to do something that it’s not conditioned to do.

Wear Proper Attire

When was the last time you were your workout shoes? If they have been in the cabinet for three years or more, chances are that they’re not in good condition to be used in the gym again. You can visit the store to get new shoes, especially a pair that best fits your arch, gait, and body weight. Getting the proper attire is one of the first steps you must take before starting your fitness journey again. It’s not just about your shoes. You should also get tops and bottoms that are made of lightweight and airy material.

Eat a Balanced Diet and Hydrate

Stop following those diet fads you see on the Internet and social media. You lose a lot of weight by following these fads. But remember that it is never okay to stress your body into losing fat that soon and fast. You need to eat if you want your body to fulfil the workout your coach has designed for you.

Do not starve yourself and work out at the same time because that may lead to injuries and accidents. If you’re hungry and dizzy, there’s a good chance that you will get into an accident in the gym. At the same time, you need to hydrate because you will be sweating a lot while exercising. You risk dehydration when you don’t hydrate enough, whether you’re working out or not.

Remember the steps before working out again. The key to not getting injured and starting your fitness journey is to consult experts and research your options. There are a lot of people who will be willing to give you the proper advice on how to manage your weight and reach your fitness goals without stressing yourself and your body.