Now is the time that everybody is thinking about beginning an exercise program. Some people are just thinking about it while others are ready to take action and get started today.

What ever group you can best identify with is not important. But for safety sake, when you do start, begin your exercise program slowly. Many people injure themselves in the first few weeks of a new exercise program. These injuries can sideline you for weeks or even months defeating the whole purpose of beginning an exercise program in the first place.

In a majority of cases, I see two main causes of exercise induced injury. The first group of injuries can come from trying to make up for lost time. You may have been relatively sedentary all year and finally decide to get moving again.

You figure incorrectly that it possible to make-up for lost time so you try to do too much too soon. Much like carpal tunnel syndrome, your body is subjected to too many repetitive motions. It cannot take the rapid increase in activity and breaks under the strain.

The second reason for injury is being allowed or even instructed to participate in an exercise program that is too advanced for your ability. Not all exercise programs are appropriate for all people. Some exercise actually puts you at increased risk for injury depending in your health level and fitness ability. 

Starting too high on what I call the "fitness ladder" puts too great a demand on your balance or strength systems. An inappropriate exercise program can lead to falls, severe joint damage and even broken bones.

So make this year different. Start your exercise program slowly with a well designed and instructed exercise program that fits your ability. Start slowly and win the fitness race just when like the tortoise beat the hare.