It’s better to start slowly rather than too fast. This advice cannot be repeated often enough. Those who have not taken part in sport for a while or have not exercised very much at all, must begin slowly. The risk of small muscle and joint injuries is high during this initial period. The muscles and joints are not used to being put under pressure. They must be given time to adapt.
In their initial enthusiasm, many people start too quickly and too intensively. They focus on endurance, power, distance and speed and tend to ignore signs that their bodies are being overexerted. If pain or issues are encountered in a muscle, joint or limb during exercise, it is best to contact an experienced sports doctor. If the pain/symptoms are ignored, and exercise is continued at the same pace, there is a real risk of serious injury.
Injuries to muscles and joints form one of the biggest threats to continuing sporting activity. They cause a weakening of the locomotor apparatus that can lead to chronic problems if not rectified. Activities will then have to be halted and this can lead to fitness deteriorating and the person having to begin all over again. Beginners may not recognise the signals. This is another reason to start very slowly in the first few weeks, so that you can learn to recognise the signs your body provides.
