With Spring here and the warmer weather approaching, motivation to exercise for summer is at its peak. However, this exercise may lead to injury if a gradual approach is not taken.

Often spring injuries are caused due to people pushing themselves too hard, too soon.

A gradual approach is the key. 

To help keep your spring workout injury-free, Smartplay, offers these timely tips:

• See your doctor for a check-up before embarking on a new fitness program.


• If playing a new sport, undertake training prior to competition to ensure readiness to play.


• Before exercising or playing sport practise and use the correct skills and techniques.


• Avoid doing too much, too soon. Establish a graduated exercise program.


• Do not exercise beyond your physical capabilities.


• Cut down if you experience pain. Pain is a sign that the body is not adapting to the exercise load.


• Cross-train with other sports and exercises to reduce the risk of overtraining.


• Always warm up, stretch and cool down.


• Drink water before, during and after exercise.

By following these tips your risk of injury will be decreased - to help keep you exercising to look and feel good for summer.