Aerobics, a fitness routine that became quite a rage in the 80s, is a fun way to burn stubborn calories by moving rhythmically to music. Even though it is a form of exercise that helps effectively work out large muscle groups, it is still entertaining since most people do it as a collective activity with friends. While aerobics is usually a milder version of exercise as compared to more strenuous workouts, there are still quite a few sports injuries associated with it that can cause a great deal of physical torment. It is, therefore, crucial to know how to avoid such physical traumas and take precautionary steps so that you can continue enjoying your sessions without any painful interruptions.
Battling obesity is a nemesis for most people. There are some excellent reasons for this aversion. Strict diet restrictions and rigorous exercise regimens have the potential to bring tears to the eyes of even the toughest are usually associated with the fight against excess fat. However, there is one form of physical training that can help you lose inches without being too rough - aerobics. A hybrid of dance and exercise, aerobics offers a plethora of high and low impact formats to choose from. As with most workouts, in case of aerobics as well it is critical to take measures to ensure that you do not hurt yourself.
Here are 5 things that you must do to prepare yourself before starting your aerobics routine:
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Start with a pre-workout routine– To prevent muscular injuries, you must combine your aerobics session with some mild stretching exercises to warm up and cool down. Also, do consult a physician to get an assessment of your cardiovascular and respiratory systems before you start doing aerobics for the first time.
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Invest in the right gym gear– It is vital to have a pair of shoes that are appropriate for aerobics to prevent foot injuries. Also, clothes that do not trap heat and dry out easily are advisable while doing aerobics.
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Make sure the place where you practice aerobics is suitable– The environment in which you exercise is pivotal to an injury-free experience. Padded flooring, proper ventilation, moderate temperature, and availability of clean drinking water are all parameters that you should consider while choosing an aerobics class.
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Do not over-exert– Gauge your fitness level correctly before you nose dive into any fitness routine. Starting with basic, low-impact aerobics is a good idea if you have never done aerobics before.
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Seek help immediately if you feel you have injured yourself– Getting first-aid quickly when injured is vital to prevent the injury from getting worse. Please note that injuries that occur due to overexertion are usually mildly painful in the beginning but intensifies as time passes. Consult a sports medicine specialist if your injury does not respond sufficiently to first-aid.
Aerobics is a great way to introduce some much-needed exercise into your daily routine. Prepare yourself well by keeping the points given above in mind before, during and after your aerobics sessions to avoid injury and to reap the benefits of this fun-filled workout for years to come.
