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Key Safety Guidelines - Physical Activity

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Key Safety Guidelines for Physical Activity

The good news is that scientific evidence shows that physical activity is safe for almost everyone. Better yet, the health benefits of physical activity are much greater than the risks.

People who are physically fit have a lower risk of injury than people who are not. People who do more activity generally have a higher risk of injury than people who do less activity.

So what should people do if they want to be active and safe?

  • Understand the risks and be confident that physical activity is safe for almost everyone

  • Choose types of physical activity that meet their current fitness level and health goals

  • "Start low and go slow" by gradually increasing how often and how long activities are done

  • Use the right gear and sports equipment

  • Look for safe areas

  • Follow rules and policies

  • Make sensible choices about when, where, and how to be active

  • Be under the care of a healthcare provider if they have chronic conditions or symptoms. People with chronic conditions and symptoms should talk with their healthcare provider about the types and amounts of activity that are best for them

Updated January 2012
Clinical Advisory Board Sponsor: Dr. Linda Kinsinger
Clinical Subject Matter Experts: Dr. Kenneth R. Jones, Sophia Hurley
Patient Education Subject Matter Experts: Dr. Rose Mary Pries, Dr. Pam Hebert