Getting in better shape is one of the most common New Year’s resolutions among Los Angeles, California, residents. While fitness is certainly a worthy goal, it’s important to take steps to avoid injury any time you begin a new routine.
Kristofer J. Jones, MD, is here to offer some tips and advice to get you started on your goals for 2026 without risking a serious injury. We hope you won’t require our services this year, but if you encounter any orthopedic challenges, please know that we’re here if you need us.
Beginning a new year is an outstanding time to think about where you are in your life’s journey and consider ways to enjoy your life to the fullest. For many, enhancing health is a top priority, and becoming more active is among the best ways to boost your overall health and wellness.
But getting fit requires more than just the determination to succeed. You also need to plan carefully to set and achieve reasonable, attainable goals.
While it’s understandable to want to see results as quickly as possible, protecting against injury is an essential part of creating a new fitness routine.
If you have any existing chronic health issues or it’s been a while since you met with a primary care provider, be sure to schedule a visit to determine whether your body is ready to withstand the challenges of a new fitness approach.
If you’ve encountered orthopedic issues in the past, or are a current patient of Dr. Jones, schedule a time to come in and discuss how to build a program around your unique set of joint health needs.
Everyone can benefit from becoming more active. But if you’re living with issues like heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, or degenerative joint conditions, your program will look a little different.
Once you receive medical clearance, you’re probably going to be eager to jump right into your new workout and activity routine. But a gradual ramping up of intensity and duration is the best way to begin a fitness program that will last.
Achieving goals often requires pushing yourself. But if you push too hard, too fast, you risk creating a new injury or causing an old injury to flare back up. Even though a slower start might seem like a disappointment, nothing will knock you off track faster than a significant injury.
You’ve heard it before, but mentioning the importance of warming your body up before exercise is advice that’s well worth repeating. A proper warm-up helps your muscles and joints prepare for stress.
Warming up also helps boost your circulation and get your lungs ready for an increase in exertion. It can even help put you in a great mindset for tackling your fitness goals.
There are many ways to warm up, and the right fit depends on the type of activity you’re preparing for. In some cases, a short walk is all you need to get going. Stretching is also a great way to get blood moving into your muscles and loosen you up.
If you’re uncertain about the best way to warm up, there are numerous resources online that can give you ideas and motivation. In fact, you can even follow along with a warm-up video.
A good workout should be challenging. You should feel your body working hard as you go through your routine. But pay close attention to the messages your body sends.
Challenge is a good thing during workouts, but pain is not. If you experience sudden pain or a noticeable increase in discomfort during your routine, back off on the intensity or take a break to avoid placing too much strain on your body.
Chest pain, shortness of breath, or dizziness should all put an immediate stop to your exercise. But you should also be on the lookout for joint pain, unusual sounds coming from your joints, or swelling during or after a workout.
These are all signs of sports injuries, some of which can prevent you from moving forward with your fitness plans.
Kristopher J. Jones, MD, and our team wish you a healthy, happy New Year and success in all of your resolutions. Following the tips outlined here can help reduce your risk of injury.
If you should need the services of an orthopedic specialist in the coming year, please keep us in mind.
We love partnering with people from in and around Los Angeles to protect, preserve, and enhance their orthopedic health. Booking a visit is as easy as reaching out by phone at 424-235-6928 or using our online booking tool.
