Safety!

Safety is the single most important factor to consider when engaging in a fitness program.

Here are six key safety issues:

#1 See Your Doctor: When it comes to health, we all agree that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. And the same applies to screening – the use of tests or examinations to help find health problems early, before they cause any symptoms.
	#2 Hydrate: Studies show that most people don’t drink enough water. When you exercise, you need adequate amounts of water. If you’re exercising or working strenuously in the heat, you can lose a quart of water an hour. Check out what this physical therapy clinic says for more information.
#3 Wear appropriate Attire It is important to ensure that the shoes you wear match the activity you are participating in. Wearing shoes not built for the activity you are performing could result in injury. It is equally important to wear workout clothing that matches the climate conditions of the sport you are participating in. Lightweight clothing should be warn in warmer climates and layers in colder climates. You will also want to make sure your clothing fits properly so it does not get in the way of your workout or caught in the equipment.
	#4 Warm Up: Warm-up exercises are vital to any workout. Preparing the muscles and joints for more intense activity helps prevent injury, as well as promoting circulation. Warm-up exercises increase the temperature of the body, making the muscles more flexible and receptive to strenuous activity. Warming up should slightly increase the heart rate but not to the level experienced during your workout.
#5 Cool Down: Cooling down is important to remove waste products like lactic acid, decrease adrenaline, and allow the heart rate to return to normal levels. You should never stop abruptly after exercising. Always lower intensity and let your body cool down for a few minutes. More benefits of cooling down include prevention of blood pooling and rapid drop of blood pressure, reduction of cramping, and reduction of muscle soreness and fatigue.
	#6 Try the Talk Fitness experts suggest three levels of the talk test:: 1. While walking if you are slightly breathless and can speak a few words but not complete sentences, you are in the fat burning zone. 2. If you cannot talk at all, slow down 3. If you can have a long conversation, speed up!

Please consult your physician before beginning any exercise program.

Read the User’s Manual, then follow all warning and operating instructions prior to use of any fitness equipment.