Avoid back pain while exercising

Many will be heading to the gym this month as part of their 2015 resolution, but it is important to remember that there are things you can do to prevent injury:

1) Wear proper footwear: choose appropriate footwear with support and shock absorption.

2) Warm up and cool down: start with light cardiovascular activity to gradually increase heart rate and circulation. Stretching prior to and after a workout while the muscles are warm help increase flexibility of the muscles and decrease chance of injury.

3) Proper lifting: Learn how to lift weights properly. Whenever lifting objects, always remember to bend your knees and keep your back straight to reduce your risk of back injury.

4) Most importantly, start at your own pace. Don't try to keep up with those around you.