How to Avoid Running Injuries

SPECIAL OFFER: - Limited Time Only!
(The ad below will not display on your printed page)

SAVE EVEN MORE! Say "Yes" to Fitness® Magazine today and get a second year for HALF PRICE – 2 full years (20 issues) for just $15. You also get our new Fitness Band and Total Body Express Band Workout ABSOLUTELY FREE! (U.S. orders only)

Email:

First Name:

Last Name:

Address:

City:

State:

Zip:

100% Money-Back Guarantee: You must be pleased, or you may cancel any time during the life of your subscription and receive a refund on any unserved issues – no questions asked. Fitness® Magazine is currently published 10 times annually – subject to change without notice. Double issues may be published, which count as 2 issues. Applicable sales tax will be added. E-mail address required to access your account and member benefits online. We will not share your e-mail address with anyone. Click here to view our privacy policy.

« Back |

How to Avoid Running Injuries

Ready to run? Stay safe and injury-free with these expert tips.

By the Editors of Fitness Magazine

Question: "I'd like to start running, but I worry about getting injured. What should I watch for?"

Though running isn't inherently harmful, it's smart to take precautions before you start something new. Alan Hreljac, Ph.D., of California State University in Sacramento, offers these tips:

Increase time or distance -- not both -- no more than 10 percent from one week to the next.
Stay on soft surfaces to lessen impact. Run on dirt paths, not streets.
Stop before you get tired. When muscles fatigue, they don't absorb as much impact.
Rest one to two days between runs. Injuries can occur when bone or tissue is continually taxed without time to rejuvenate.
Strengthen. Stronger leg muscles absorb more impact. Try a lower-body move like squats.

Originally published in Fitness magazine.