Here are some useful tips for preventing common sports injuries from the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation.

* Prepare for exercise - Know what muscle groups will be used and start conditioning them slowly.

* Stretch muscles before exercising - Muscles and joints need to be warmed up before strenuous activity. Properly warming up is essential, said John Massie, a certified athletic trainer and the coordinator of Southern Illinois University Sports Medicine.

* Use proper equipment - Wear the right protective gear for the sport you are playing. Also, wear well-made, shock-absorbing running shoes to run. The rule of thumb is to use a pair of running shoes for 500 miles or six months. While shoes may not look worn, miles of running compress the cushioning on shoes and cause them to lose their shock absorption properties, Massie said. When you run, a force eight times your body weight hits the ground and is transmitted up your legs.

* Be strong enough for the exercise you are attempting.

* Don't force your body - If an activity doesn't feel right, don't do it. The technique could be improper and you could injure yourself. Start a new exercise routine slowly and pace yourself. "Listen to your body and in most cases, it will tell you what you need to know," Massie said.

* Don't push too hard - Pushing yourself beyond certain limits can lead to injury. If you feel pain or are lightheaded, stop. "A lot of injuries occur when the body is already fatigued," Massie said.

* Rest and relax - Every athlete should take a day off once a week to give the body a rest.