As summer wanes, many of us start thinking about working out more often. I sure do. In the summer, I ride my bike, go for walks practice yoga, and fit in a workout maybe two times a week. Once September is here, I try to consistently do yoga or Pilates and work out at the gym five times a week. I’ve noticed how important it is as I get older.

Stay Consistent and Remember to Warm Up

When I work out consistently, it helps keep tendinitis away. I also make sure to warm up a little first by moving my limbs in various ways and stretching gently. Then, when I get into my exercises, it feels better and I’ve decreased the risk of irritating the tendons. I also make sure to always wear my WAGs to keep my right wrist happy! Remember, tendinitis can start several ways. Vigorously exercising, exercising too often, or overworking one muscle group — especially without warming up — can put strain on the tendons, causing an overuse injury or tendinitis.

Work Your Whole Body

As a rule of thumb, especially when lifting weights, work all the muscle groups consistently during your fitness routine, then take the next day off from lifting to give everything a rest. It’s not a good idea to lift on back-to-back days unless one day you’re working on the upper body and the next the lower body. You just don’t want to work on the same muscle groups two days in a row because it puts you at greater risk of injury.

Protect Your Wrists

Tendinitis can develop from bearing weight on your hands, too. For example, in a yoga class that does a ton of sun salutations, you’re going to be moving onto your hands a lot. The stretch of the wrist when you’re doing planks, chaturangas, and more can be too much on the tendons. This can cause irritation and pain as the tendons stretch to move your wrist into extension, causing micro tears and the development of tendinitis on the palm side of your wrists. Wrist Assured Gloves (WAGs) have wedged gel pads to decrease the angle of wrist extension, so you avoid putting the strain on the tendon, preventing tendinitis or relieving it if you already have it.

Enjoy the rest of your summer and take care of yourself! If you’re working out more as you get back into a fall routine, remember these tips to stay healthy, active, and injury free. Don’t forget to find the pair of WAGs fitness gloves to meet your needs — place your order today to be prepared!