Athletes train hard with a goal of performing at their peak when competition begins. Exercise is beneficial for the body, but at times athletes may be in jeopardy of overdoing it in pursuit of doing their best. Johns Hopkins Medicine says many sports injuries can be prevented with proper precautions.

To begin with, athletes should wear the right gear. Using the right equipment or gear and wearing supportive shoes can help prevent injury, as can using safety items like helmets and protective pads. Athletes should ensure that all equipment is properly fitted and replace items if they become damaged or worn out.

Maintaining flexibility and strength is also important. The experts at the Mount Sinai health organization say it is extremely important to perform dynamic stretches before starting a physical activity, as cold muscles are more vulnerable to injury. Also, exercises that strengthen the muscles used for the sport are beneficial, particularly those that target the core. Core-strengthening exercises improve balance and stability, which is essential in all sports.

Athletes should learn the proper techniques for playing a sport or engaging in a physical activity like strength training. Poor form on the field or in the gym can put athletes at risk for injury, says the University of Rochester Medical Center.

Listening to one's body is another key to staying injury-free. Aches and pains in joints or muscles that do not improve in a day or two could be signs that a more serious condition is developing. Do not attempt to power through pain, which may cause serious issues and significant, long-term injuries.

UConn Health Orthopedics and Sports Medicine says rest is a critical component of avoiding injury. One to two rest days should be built into the weekly exercise regimen. One option is to make a rest day a recovery day, instead. This choice means engaging in gentle exercise like walking, swimming or yoga.

Athletes can reduce their injury risk by following some tried and true techniques.