Athletic Training

'· CHAPTER XX INJURIES-THEIR PREVENTION AND TREATMENT THROUGHOUT this book I have constantly cautioned against overindulgence · in athlet– ics, too severe a course of work at the be– ginning of one's training, and competition when not in good physical condition. The object of these warnings is to prevent unnec– essary injuries. It has been my experience that the majority of strains and injuries re– ceived in athletics are the result of careless– ness or overwork. If an athlete thoroughly understood his event in advance, knew his own physical weaknesses, and trained with common sense, he might engage in athletics for years without suffering any serious injury. But because athletes will not do this they are frequently bothered with sore muscles, strains, and other injuries which, while not necessa- 160