Injuries are an ever-present risk in sports. Whether playing soccer, running or basketball – anyone who is active can be unlucky and suffer an injury. Even if this cannot always be avoided, there are a few aspects that can reduce the risk of injury.
Do not overestimate your own abilities
One of the most common causes of sports injuries is a lack of physical fitness. Trained muscles and sufficient flexibility provide stability, support the musculoskeletal system and cushion impacts or falls. It is important to be in adequate physical condition and not to overestimate one’s own abilities if, for example, one wants to try out new sports or improve one’s performance. When training, the following therefore applies: start slowly, train regularly and thus continuously increase physical fitness. This helps to avoid overloading the body.
The right technique makes the difference
Another factor that increases the risk of injury is improper technique. Whether running or mountain biking, improper technique can lead to injuries as well as accidents, regardless of whether you are fit enough or not. Therefore, it is important to also study the theory and the movement sequences, to learn the correct technique and to improve it. In this way, incorrect postures or falls can sometimes be avoided.
The appropriate equipment
Inadequate equipment can also contribute to the risk of injury. Athletes should make sure they have the right equipment on hand that is appropriate for their sport, level and size, and weight. In addition, equipment should be in good condition, not too old or too worn. Depending on the activity, protective clothing such as a helmet, knee or shin pads should therefore be put on to prevent worse in the event of an accident.
Warm-up
You should never start right away. Start slowly is the motto. Especially in endurance sports, but also in strength training, the body should be given the opportunity to gradually activate the muscles and the cardiovascular system. If the body cannot warm up sufficiently before a sporting activity, the risk of sprains, overstretching and muscle and tendon injuries is increased. In addition, one should recover sufficiently after a strenuous workout.
So to keep the joy of sports, a few points should be observed to minimize the risk of injury.
