Fitness Safety Key Factor In Preventing, Avoiding Sports Injuries
By MC2 Alexander Ameen, Navy Region Southwest Public Affairs


ABF1 Joseph Determan leads the U.S. Navy tug-of-war team to a victory against the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) team during last year’s U.S. Navy-JMSDF Sports Day. For Sailors and Marines, group sports is a great way to stay in shape and have fun, but being safe and avoiding injuries can sometimes be an afterthought. File photo by Blake Vives

For Sailors and Marines, being in the military means staying physically fit. Group sports is a great way to stay in shape and have fun, but being safe and avoiding injuries can sometimes be an afterthought.

The thought of fitness safety plays a big factor in preventing sports injuries prior to exertion.

“It doesn’t matter if you’re playing ball or on the weight floor, you want to make sure you warm up,” said Joshua Adams, a Navy Region Southwest fitness specialist. “Hit the exercise bike for five minutes, get the muscles going. Then get into some stretching.”

Once you begin, there are a few simple things you can do to stay safe, whether it’s in an organized five-on-five game of basketball or a casual shoot-around with friends.

“You need to know that if you’re going to be playing sports, remember it’s a dynamic exercise,” Adams said. “There is a risk of injury, even if you’ve done every single thing possible to protect yourself.”

Adams said the biggest cause for injury in sports is improper footwear. He recommends high-top sneakers with ankle straps, tied tightly.

Service members practice operational risk management at their jobs all the time, a key component of which is awareness. Adams says being aware during fitness activities is just as important.

“Know your surroundings and be aware that other people are around you as well,” Adams said. “You will reduce your injury risk and you help others reduce theirs as well.”
Lifting weights presents its own dangers, but maintaining basic safety can help prevent avoidable injuries.

“Know the weights, know the machines,” said Adams. “Most machines have instructions for safe operation. If you don’t know an exercise, most gyms have fitness specialists like me. Ask for help.”

Many weightlifting injuries occur when someone tries to lift more than they can handle. Having a spotter when using a lot of weight can help you avoid a dangerous situation, Adams said.

Avoiding injuries and staying physically fit helps maintain fleet readiness. Keeping these safety tips in mind the next time you head to the gym will ensure you do your part to keep conditioned and prepared for any Navy environment you should encounter.