Being more physically active can help you feel better, deal with stress more easily, and handle day-to-day activities more comfortably. Some people find that they have more energy and focus when they are active. Others enjoy the social aspect of connecting with friends or people in the community. Whatever your reason for becoming more active, it is important to do it in a safe way to avoid injury. Learn more about injury prevention and recovery in this section.

Warming up before an activity helps your muscles prepare to be active. In similar fashion, cooling down after an activity can help your body recover.

Learn more about warm ups and cool downs in this section:

• Warming Up      
• Cooling Down

Maintaining a healthy and active lifestyle is important, but so is learning to do it in a safe way. Preventing injuries while exercising can help you stay on track and be at your best. Learn more in this section:

• How to Exercise Safely
• Injury Prevention             
• Preventing Foot Problems: Training Techniques     
• Preventing Finger, Hand and Wrist Problems

Physiotherapy can be useful when recovering from an injury. See our HealthLink BC Directory to find a physiotherapist near you.

If you are new to physical activity, there are precautions you can take to ensure your safety. It could be learning how to use equipment properly or finding a good trainer. Learn more about precautions in this section:

• Precautions for Flexibility Activities           
• Precautions for Strengthening Activities   

Problems can arise when you start a new physical activity routine. Learn more in this section:

• Overtraining      
• Returning to Play After a Head Injury During a Sporting Event          
• Sports-Related Dehydration         

CATT Concussion Awareness Training Tool

The Concussion Awareness Training Tool (CATT) is a series of online educational modules and resources addressing concussion recognition, diagnosis, treatment, and management. Good concussion management may decrease the risk of brain damage and potentially reduce long-term health issues.

Active & Safe Central

Active & Safe Central is a resource for children, youth and adults who engage in or facilitate sport and recreational activities, providing information on common injuries, risk factors, and injury prevention for their activity of choice. This website is based on current and available research evidence from around the world.

Last Updated: June 2021