101 Critical Days of Summer: Moderation, preparation keys to safe summer exercise Published July 24, 2013 By Steve Serrette 72nd Air Base Wing Safety Office TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- Throughout the summer people try to get in as many outdoor activities as possible before the season is done. Increasing the level of activity, especially if you have not been keeping a regular fitness regime all year, puts added force on the body and can be harmful. Start slowly with a conditioning program to prepare your body for action. Many muscle and joint injuries have occurred because the body was not conditioned for a particular activity. When people start to exercise or participate in an athletic activity, they often push their bodies too far. The more often you take part in an activity, the higher the risk of overuse and traumatic injuries. Moderation and preparation is the key to safe exercise. Care should be taken not to jump into additional sports or activities too soon. Safe exercise programs should always start slowly and gradually build up speed, force, and intensity. To learn more, visit these websites: · http://www.sportssafety.org/ content/Articles/ConditioningTraining/SafeExercise.aspx · http://www.pponline.co.uk/ encyc/how-to-prepare-your-biomechanics-for-sport-and-exercise-39565 · http://www.active.com/ running/Articles/Summer-Runs-How-to-Acclimate-to-the-Heat · http://theseakayaker.com/ sea_kayak_exercises/getinshape.html · http://articles.chicagotribune .com/2000-07-21/news/ 0007210540_1_sports-injuries-helmet-wearing Video featuring the Harlem Globetrotters is available on the CoP for your use.