Play It Safe
Seven Things to Remember When You Exercise
1. Warm Up. Get ready for exercise. Take a slow walk around the block or walk in place.
2. Stretch. Be kind to your muscles by gently stretching after you warm up and again after you exercise. See our section on stretching.
3. Drink water. Even if you don't feel thirsty, drink water while you exercise. Try to drink 8 glasses of water each day. Drink even more when it's hot outside! Water is the best drink to quench your thirst. Other good thirst quenchers are herbal tea, fruit juice, and seltzer water.
4. Avoid drinks that make you more thirsty. Drinks with caffeine, like cola, coffee, and tea, make it hard for your body to hang on to the water that it needs. Drinks with alcohol have the same effect.
5. Gear up. Don't forget your bike helmet, life jacket, or good sturdy shoes.
6. Test your equipment. Give machines like treadmills a once over before you use them. Don't hesitate to ask a staff member for help if you are at a gym or health club.
7. Stop. It's time to stop exercising if you feel pain or if you are short of breath.
Always check with your doctor before you start an exercise program. This is very important if you have certain health problems.
Before you get started, go through this list. You can also print this list and bring it with you to a doctor's appointment.
Next: A Healthy Heart
