Its important to look at the long run, especially when your body is concerned. That’s what Roger Federer did when he pulled out of the ongoing French Open recently, after reaching the fourth round. The Swiss maestro cited two knee surgeries over the past year as the reason. Here’s what he said: “It’s important that I listen to my body and make sure I don’t push myself too quickly on my road to recovery.” Even a doctor couldn’t have put it better. We often take our bodies for granted, forgetting that at the end of the day, they are finite objects. They need care and protection, in a sustained manner. And they also demand that we heed warning signs without throwing caution to the wind.

Age isn’t a factor

These warning signs can appear at any age, says Priyanka Talreja, a physiotherapist and founder of Nucleus, a clinic in Walkeshwar. “Even kids get into different kinds of activities such as squash or cricket, so parents should address whether they have any weaknesses,” she tells us, adding, “Every person needs to understand their bodily symptoms. For example, it’s not a good idea to hit the gym if you’ve had a rough day and your body is still sore. One wrong move and you might suffer because you have put your system through something it’s not ready for.”