Health Tip: Run Safely

(HealthDay News) — Even running or jogging can lead to injury unless you take the time to prepare.

The American Council on Exercise offers these suggestions:

Always warm up before and cool down after your run. Gently stretch your muscles to help prevent soreness.
Make sure you’re not overdoing it. Speaking out loud continuously for 30 seconds should be challenging, but not too difficult.
When your muscles are too tired and sore, back down on intensity, duration and frequency of your runs.
Alternate running days with strength-training days.
Don’t increase running distance by more than 10 percent per week.
Only run if you enjoy it.