These days, working out have become part of our daily regime. We all want to look and feel healthy and get rid of those unwanted flab. Everyone wants to get rid of those love handles and bulgy bottoms. But do we overdo it sometimes?  Does the zeal of looking like our idol make us ignore few precautionary steps, eventually injuring us, sometimes even fatally?

Remember few things always before starting out a workout regime, so that your desire to look and feel great doesn’t take you to the emergency room. First and foremost speak to your doctor before starting out a new workout regime. Especially if you are above forty or you are starting a regime after a long gap. Your doctor can advise you where you should concentrate more and which parts you should be extra careful while working out.

Talk to the trainer before starting your workout. Don’t be over enthusiastic and try out all the equipments from the first day itself. The trainer will tell you how to work on your body and mainly how to use the equipments to your advantage.

A warm up is very important before you start. Slow walking or easy paced bike riding is recommended. This is more effective than stretches in preventing injury to your muscles. Stretching is important to maintain flexibility but it is advisable to stretch after a warm up. Wear good shoes. They should fit you well especially around your heels and ankles. So that you don’t suffer a sprain or a torn ligament.

Though it feels very trendy to sport a walkman or I pod while cycling or jogging. Be aware of your surroundings to prevent minor mishaps or major accidents even.Eat at least 2 hours before working out. Do not exercise on empty stomach, because you may feel dizzy. Also, do not exercise soon after a meal, basically because after a meal most of our blood is directed to our stomach and lesser towards our muscles hence causing cramps.

Though some amount of muscle soreness is expected , especially if you are working out after a long time. Do not ignore pain near your joints or tendons that do not improve even after two days of rest. A healthy amount of exercise is necessary in everyone’s lives. But this should be teamed up with a healthy diet. Starving your body will just make you weak.