Are you one of the 56% of Americans who workout? Are you also one of the many Americans who workout without exercising the precautions needed to prevent injury?

No one expects to be injured while exercising, but in 1994, nearly 96,000 people were rushed to the emergency department due an injury caused by their exercise routine, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission. "Many exercise-related injuries are caused by overuse and unusual demands on muscles, joints, tendons, and ligaments," says Dr. Joseph Farrell Waeckerle, former club physician for the Kansas City Chiefs Football Team and member of the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP). "The majority of these injuries can be avoided with the proper training and technique."

"To get the greatest health benefits from exercise and reduce your risk of injury, it is important to exercise safely and properly," advises Dr. Waeckerle. "The time and money spent learning the proper technique and routine that is best for you is nothing compared to what is spent recovering from an exercise-related injury."

Dr. Waeckerle and ACEP suggest you exercise these tips for a safer work out:

• Talk to your family doctor before beginning a regular exercise program.
• Consider consulting a qualified fitness instructor for guidance on the appropriate level and technique for your exercises.
• Always begin your workout with a warm-up routine and end with a cool-down.
• Drink plenty of water before, during, and after your routine.
• Dress appropriately for your work out.
• Always exercise at a comfortable fitness level.
• If you experience any pain, dizziness, shortness of breath, irregular heartbeat, or increased fatigue, slowly end your workout and consult your physician.

Remember, these are only general suggestions to help prevent injuries while exercising. For more specific details on exercising safety, contact your family physician. "Whether a beginner or an avid exerciser, you should always practice safety and injury prevention," says Dr. Waeckerle.

The American College of Emergency Physicians is a national medical society representing more than 19,000 physicians who specialize in emergency medicine. ACEP is committed to improving the quality of emergency care through continuing education, research, and public education.