Before you pick up that baseball or head out on that hike you need to ask yourself what kind of shape you are in. No one wants to spend their summer nursing a preventable injury! The best way to prevent an injury is to follow a balanced conditioning routine at least three times a week, for just one-hour each time. For the best results each workout should consist of a minimum of 20 minutes of cardiovascular exercise, 10 minutes of stretching and 30 minutes of strengthening. The cardiovascular component can be done on a stationary bike, treadmill, stairclimber, or you can go rollerblading or jogging outdoors. This should be followed by a flexibility component including stretches for all the major muscle groups. The strengthening component should consist of one exercise per major muscle group. This will help you improve your performance and prevent unwanted injuries while you enjoy your outdoor fun in the sun this summer.

Shaun Karp is a certified personal trainer in Vancouver. For further information call his office at 604-420-7800.