If you play amateur sports, you may not be aware of the risks of sustaining bodily injury.  Because you don't play on a professional level, you likely don't have the people around you that can help guide you as it pertains to the dangers of becoming injured while engaged in play.  Nevertheless, it's important for you to start certain practices that can help you stay in good shape.  Use this information to learn two tips that can help you avoid injury so you can continue playing the sport you love for as long as possible.

Practice Good Form

The first thing you want to do is practice good form.  Even if you're a natural at your sport, there are certain ways that you can position your body to make sure that you don't strain your muscles.

For example, you may be a golfer.  It could be a sport that you play just a few times a week.  However, over time, if you fail to practice good form, you could place undue stress on the muscle groups in your arms and shoulders.  This could begin to affect your livelihood, especially if you need these muscles to do your paying job correctly.

The best thing to do is learn from the greats.  Take some time out to watch professional golfers, and watch how they position their bodies.  You may even want to enlist an instructor to show you how to position your body so that you place as little strain on your body as possible.  You may find that not only do you relieve bodily strain, but your game improves as well.

Go See A Podiatrist

If you play sports on an amateur level, it's always a good idea to see a podiatrist, such as those found at Elmhurst Podiatry Center Ltd.  They can help you choose the right footwear so that you have the right amount of cushion to help absorb shock while you're engaged in play.

Podiatrists specialize in the feet and ankles.  They can consult with you to determine just how much shock absorption you need to avoid things like ankle sprains and heel spurs.  This is vital, even if you do something as seemingly simple as running marathons on an amateur basis.

Keeping your body in top form will ensure that you can enjoy your chosen sport for as long as possible.  Start using these tips right away so you can stay away from injury for the long haul.