The health benefits of being active far outweigh any risks. But
that doesn’t mean there are no risks. For an elite athlete, a
weekend warrior, or anyone just starting out on a fitness plan,
physical activity does increase the risk of injury. (1) Don’t
let that stop you from becoming more active, though: Moderate
intensity activity is generally very safe for most people, even
people who have not previously been active. And you can lower
your injury risk by taking a few simple precautions. What kind
of injuries can result from physical activity? Muscle, joint,
and bone problems are the most common. (2) In hot weather or
during long, intense workouts, dehydration can be a concern. In
very rare cases, vigorous physical activity may lead to a heart
attack or sudden death. Keep in mind, though, that active people
have an overall lower risk of serious or fatal heart problems
than inactive people. If you are sedentary, starting with
activities that require a light-to-moderate effort, such as
walking, and increasing y