Summer is the time of year when many people become more active and take up a new fitness regime, but the risk of injury may be high unless people take preventative steps.

According to Dr William Levine, chief of sports medicine at New York-Presbyterian Hospital, it is important to prevent injuries before they happen by starting off slow.

Dr Levine says that people returning to racquet sports, such as squash, should not expect to be in the same playing condition as they were last year, even if they have managed to maintain their overall fitness over the winter.

"New activities require muscles and joints to respond in a different way. This may result in minor soreness while your body adjusts. If you push yourself too hard too soon, that minor soreness could turn into something more serious," he warned.

The expert also emphasised the importance of warming up, pointing out that the muscles need a chance to go through the motions and get the blood pumping before the actual activity begins, and stretching properly at the end of the activity.

"The single most important thing you can do is pay attention to your body," he concluded.

"Don't ignore the little aches and pains in the joints and muscles. They are early signals that could help you prevent more serious injuries."