Being more physically active can help you feel better, deal with stress more easily, and handle day-to-day activities more comfortably. To get the best results, it’s important to understand how to exercise safely so you don’t injure yourself.

Here are some important tips to keep in mind:

• Wear properly-fitted protective equipment (like a helmet or knee pads) and proper footwear.
• Learn and use proper skills and techniques. Learn the rules of your sport and how to use equipment properly.
• Choose activities that are suited to your abilities and fitness level.
• Before doing an activity, warm up your muscles. Then cool down afterwards.
• Increase your activity level gradually and keep your medical history or current medical conditions in mind.
• Avoid pushing yourself too hard.
• Spread your activities out over the week instead of doing all of your activity only on weekends. Sudden spurts of activity can put stress on your bones and joints.
• Dress properly for the weather and pay attention to what your body is telling you.
• Do activities in well-maintained parks and fields. Avoid fields with holes in the ground, poor lighting, broken glass or playground equipment that’s broken.
• Drink water before, during, and after being active.

Last Reviewed: March 2017

©2017 Province of British Columbia. All rights reserved. May be reproduced in its entirety provided the source is acknowledged. This information is not meant to replace advice from your medical doctor or individual counselling with a health professional. It is intended for educational and informational purposes only.