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Sports activities are one of the best ways to keep our bodies healthy and strong. The problem is that no matter how fit you are, there’s always the possibility of obtaining an injury. Sports injuries can really wreak havoc on your normal exercise routine. It’s important to be aware of how you can protect your body before you begin any sports activity. 

Gear up 

Depending on which sport you play, you’ll need to ensure that you have the right gear and kit. For most sports, a good pair of running shoes is vital. If your shoes don’t have the right support; injuries are more likely to occur. When you’re choosing your trainers, it’s worth finding a sports store that offers a gait analysis. The process involves running on a treadmill and having a video recording of your short-run. Your running style and the presence of any injuries are considered to help you find the perfect trainers. If you play a sport like hockey or rugby make sure that you wear your mouth guard, padding, or in some cases a helmet. Even if you are an experienced player, it’s vital to always wear your protective gear. 

Warm-up thoroughly 

Everyone knows that you need to warm up, but the key is to have a thorough enough warm-up. It’s important that your warm-up is gradual and taken at your own pace. A good warm-up will ensure that enough oxygen gets into your tendons, muscles and joints. You’ll raise your heart rate and improve your flexibility; ready for the game. If your teammates are ready to go, but you don’t feel sufficiently warmed up- listen to your own body. If you regularly workout or play sports, it’s a good idea to also practice some yoga. Combining high impact and low impact activities reduces the pressure on your muscles and joints. 

Physiotherapy 

Booking a series of physiotherapy sessions can be a great way to protect your body from getting a sports injury. Your physiotherapist can discuss your sports routine and work you through a series of exercises and massages. Such sessions will reduce your chances of injuring yourself. Physiotherapy will allow your muscles and joints to become less tense. It’s also beneficial to help improve your physical strength and to relax your body. A proper cool down followed by a massage is the perfect self-care routine after playing sports. 

Don’t play through the pain 

 If you experience pain when playing a sport, you’ll want to stop playing and have yourself checked over. When only feeling a slight pain, some athletes will continue. Doing so could only add to the severity of a potential injury. It’s common to not feel the full effects of an injury right away due to the adrenaline. It’s always best to take a break and assess exactly what’s happened. 

 Simple things like keeping hydrated and getting enough sleep are essential to staying healthy during a sports game. Attempting sports when you are unwell or fatigued could mean that you are more likely to hurt yourself.