Exercise safety and your equipment
Most sports and exercises rely on some type of equipment, such as shoes, bicycles or racquets. Protective equipment – such as mouthguards, shin pads and helmets – can significantly reduce the risk of injury by absorbing the impact of falls or collisions. Safety suggestions include:
- If your sporting equipment is handheld, make sure you are using the right grip – for example, holding a tennis racquet the wrong way can increase your risk of tennis elbow (tendonitis).
- Make sure your equipment is appropriate to your sport or activity and the size and age of the participant.
- Wear appropriate shoes for your sport and replace them before they wear out.
- Protective equipment should be worn during training, not just for competition and games.
- Check equipment regularly and replace if worn out. If you are unsure how to maintain or check your equipment, consult with your coach or sporting association.
- Injuries can also be caused by incorrect form or technique. Consult your gym instructor, coach, sporting association, exercise physiologist or physiotherapist for instruction on how to improve your sporting technique.
Where to get help
- Your doctor
- Sports medicine doctor
- Physiotherapist
- Sports association
- Exercise physiologist
Things to remember
- Training too hard or fast is a common cause of sports-related injuries.
- Consult with your gym instructor, coach, sporting association, exercise physiologist or physiotherapist for instruction on how to exercise safely.
- Potentially harmful exercises include bouncing while stretching, standing toe-touches, full squats, straight-legged sit-ups and double leg raises.
- Wear appropriate protective gear and make sure your sporting equipment (including shoes) is well maintained.
- Stop exercise immediately if you are injured and seek medical advice before starting exercise again.
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