Accidents and injuries are –– unfortunately –– a part of life. Most people will eventually have to deal with some ailment or injury that keeps them on the sidelines for a while. The bad news is that picking up a poorly-timed injury can significantly disrupt your fitness progress. Worse, some individuals even fall into bad health habits due in large part to an injury sustained during exercise. However, this isn’t inevitable. No, with a little planning, and plenty of hard work, all individuals can maintain a healthy routine despite an injury, sickness, or accident. Here are four tips that will help you do just that:

Act Fast

Some people choose to ignore nagging pain in their knees, back, or joints for years before they choose to do anything about it. While it may be tempting to simply “work through the pain,” the reality is that many small injuries can get much worse over time. So whether you’re suffering from herniated discs or an annoying bunion, the first step to protecting your well-being is to speak with your doctor. They’ll be able to diagnose and treat the issue in a quick and effective manner. Remember, the sooner you get a medical problem sorted, the sooner you can get back to performing at your best!

Alter Your Diet

If you’re forced to stay off your feet for several weeks in a row because of an injury or surgery, then it may be a wise idea to slightly alter your diet for the time being. For example, individuals who engage in intense body-building exercises can afford to eat high-calorie and high-protein meals because they work out so often and so strenuously. But if you’re not able to do your regular exercise routine, then changing your diet (or even certain ingredients in meals) can help you avoid putting on weight.

Do What You Can

Depending on the severity of an injury, you may still be able to engage in low-impact exercises that don’t affect your body in a negative way. People with broken arms may still be able to go on brisk walks on a daily basis. Similarly, individuals with leg injuries still may be able to perform certain exercises like the bench press or situps. Just make sure to ask your doctor first about what activities you should and should not engage in.

Don’t Rush It

No one likes spending time in bed or on the couch when they should be at the gym or the park. Yet, rushing back after an injury could present numerous issues. You may end up inadvertently hurting yourself again if you’re not careful in this regard. Taking a short-term fitness hit, though, is preferable to suffering a long-term injury. Listen to medical experts and don’t put yourself at risk until your body is ready to resume your normal regimen.