With spring here and the warmer weather approaching, motivation to exercise for summer is at its peak. However, this exercise may lead to injury if a gradual approach is not taken, warns Sports Medicine Australia.
 
Every spring hundreds of people are admitted to hospitals and emergency departments for sports-related injuries.

Sports Physician and Sports Medicine Australia spokesperson, Dr David Bolzonello, says these injuries are often due to people pushing themselves too hard, too soon.

"As summer approaches, many people who have been in hibernation all winter come out to exercise, and more often than not they want to see results and they want to see them fast. It is for this reason that they push themselves to the limit," said Dr Bolzonello.

"By pushing themselves too hard too fast, injuries are more likely to occur. All those resuming or increasing their levels of activity should start slowly and build up gradually. This will still generate desired results without the pain and inconvenience of an injury.

"People must remember not to exercise beyond their physical capabilities. By only doing what you are capable of, injury risks are considerably reduced," said Dr Bolzonello.

To help keep your spring workout injury-free, Sports Medicine Australia, offers the following tips: 

• If you have any health concerns or pre-existing medical conditions, see your doctor for a check-up before embarking on a new fitness program.
• If playing a new sport, make sure you do a pre-season or some sort of training before competition.
• Before exercising or playing sport, practise and use the correct skills and techniques.
• Cross-train with other sports and exercises to reduce the risk of overtraining.
• Choose an activity you enjoy. This way you're more likely to stick to it.
• Listen to your body - if it hurts, don't do it. If you are unsure as to why it is hurting, seek advice from a sports medicine professional.
• Always warm up, stretch and cool down.
• Drink water before, during and after exercise.