New Year’s resolutions are a great way to set goals and make positive changes in our lives. However, as we embark on our journey towards achieving our resolutions, it’s important to remember that injuries can happen along the way. Here are some tips to help you avoid getting injured while working towards your goals.

Firstly, start small and gradually increase your intensity. This of course depends on your starting point! Many of you are coming from a fabulous endurance, strength, fitness baseline already. That is only going to help you in progressing further in your goals. However, if your resolution is to get in shape, don’t push yourself too hard too quickly. This is true even if your goal is to jump to another level of fitness- get stronger, faster, leaner etc! Going out too hard, too fast will increase your risk of injury and could actually set you back in your progress. Yes, that is part of where we come in.

But what if you came in to see us just for a minor injury/tune-up instead of a major injury? That would be much better for all parties! The better route is to start with low-intensity workouts and slowly increase the intensity and duration over time. Even though this is not as sexy and doesn’t give as much of the instantaneous response you are looking for at the beginning of the year. Start your journey with the long term in mind, not the short term.

Secondly, make sure you have the right gear. If your resolution is to take up a new sport or activity, invest in the proper equipment and attire. Wearing the right shoes, for example, can help prevent injuries to your feet and ankles. This is where black Friday deals and Christmas gifts can come in very handy! And my runners out there- this is a good time to replace those shoes if they have 300-500+ miles. I am personally guilty of wearing shoes down much more than they should so I get it. But your joints will thank you! Triathletes and Crossfitters- I know I don’t need to tell you to get more equipment haha!

Thirdly, and this one I cannot reiterate enough, listen to your body. This is one of the biggest difference I have seen over the years between successful, injury-free athletes and those who are injury prone. Its not just a matter of going 100% all the time.

Remember, we are thinking long-term, not short-term.

If you feel pain/discomfort or even if you are feeling overtrained, take a break and rest. Even a day of rest has proven to pay significant dividends for your body. Pushing through the pain can cause further injury and delay your progress. It’s important to give your body time to recover and heal before getting back to your workouts.

Lastly, seek professional guidance. This, of course, is where we come in. But its not just your local PT or chiro, but also your personal trainers and strength coaches. Having someone who can watch you do the movements in the gym could stop you from doing it incorrectly and therefore hurting yourself. This will ensure that you’re getting the most out of your workouts and staying on the steady path to fitness. PTs can also help you navigate injuries while still keeping you in your routine !

In conclusion, injuries are a common risk when embarking on New Year’s resolutions, but they can be avoided with careful planning and preparation. By starting small, having the right gear, listening to your body, and seeking professional guidance, you can stay on track towards achieving your goals and avoid unnecessary setbacks.