I sprained my ankle about a year ago and one of the hardest things to get used to (besides using crutches) was taking a break from my workout routine. Most people would welcome the imposed laziness but I was really into going to the gym and when I'm tin the mindframe to go to the gym, I don't want to mess with that -- fore soon, I'll be a full-blown couch potato if I don't keep up with my workouts.

My sprain was a result of my overwhelming clumsiness, but it's surprisingly easy to injure yourself while working out. Don't let an injury sideline you -- here are some tips for avoiding injuries:

1. Warm up, cool down and for goodness sakes, stretch: There's a reason personal trainers and other fitness professionals always tell you to do warm up before starting your workout: It's so important. My old kickboxing teacher used to tell us, "You don't start your car in the winter and just take off on the highway, do you? You have to warm it up first". Even when it's not winter, you need to get your muscles moving before you go into high gear. Stretching before and after the workout is equally important, again to get your muscles active. I find that doing a few simple stretches helps me avoid the muscle cramps that used to plague me all the time, so I think it's totally worth it.
   
2. Take it slowly: If you start your workouts in high gear, you're bound to be sidelined by an injury sooner or later. You need to start off with a low intensity and gradually work your way up. The car analogy works here too.
   
3. Do it right: Before you kick your workout into high gear, check your form. Make sure your doing the exercises right, or you might be hurting yourself unnecessarily. For example, if your doing lunges, your front knee shouldn't extend past your toes, as this puts extra weight on your knee that can prove painful over time. Monitor your form in a mirror, or better yet, get a trainer to show you the proper way to do it.
   
4. Get the gear: Ok, I admit. Those knee pads look super geeky and I cringe whenever I have to put them on, but honestly, it's better than the alternative -- bruising and injury my poor knees if when I fall. Bike helmets, wrist guards -- the list of safety gear goes on, and if you need it, get it. It's worth it, even if you look a bit silly.
   
5. Listen to your body: This is something I can't emphasize enough -- if your body is telling you to stop, stop. Don't push yourself past your limits, or you could end up paying the price. There's no shame in admitting that you've had enough.
   
6. Stay hydrated: Your body needs water, and that includes your muscles and joints. Keep them lubed up by drinking lots of water -- before, after and during your workout.