This is the time of year when we want to lose those holiday pounds and get back to our best fighting weight, right?  So, we take advantage of all the great gym deals that are out there and rush to punish ourselves back into shape.  Take it easy!  Here are some thoughts that could help you avoid potential injuries.

Going to the gym can result in a variety of minor or severe injuries, even death, from malfunctioning gym equipment, untrained fitness instructors, and health hazards.

How to stay safe at the gym

Injuries in gyms and health clubs are commonly caused by exercise equipment with moving parts, overhead attachments, and heavy weights that malfunction. There are usually some unqualified trainers that the gym picked up for the seasonal rush and plenty of unsanitary conditions. Each year, thousands of people who head to the gym for a workout end up in the emergency room or doctor’s office with painful injuries and infections.

Here are six risk to avoid at a gym

Unqualified Staff: Ask for training certificates, certifying organizations or Sports Medicine degrees from a college. Ask how long they have been with the gym.

Equipment Malfunction: Ask the gym staff how often equipment is assessed and repaired and speak up if you see something that’s broken.

Improper Exercise Selection or Form:  Choosing the wrong exercises or using improper form is one of the most common hazards in the gym. Do some research on exercises for the area of the body that you are focused on.

Falls:  Jumping, running and moving around various objects in the gym can increase your risk of tripping and falling.

Sprains and Strains:  Trying to lift too much weight, using poor technique, overdoing your workouts, and stretching incorrectly can lead to sprains and strains.  Warm up before your start your workout.

Infections: Germs and bacteria are found everywhere, including gyms. The last thing you want when you’re trying to be healthy is to get sick because of your health club. Fungi, bacteria, and viruses are common in wet areas such as showers and swimming pool decks. Sweat left to dry on equipment is also a breeding ground for bacteria. Bacteria can also thrive on used towels on locker room floors, weights, sweaty cardio machines, and benches that members sit on between workouts.

Injuries that we most commonly see at the personal injury law firm of Lytal, Reiter, Smith, Ivey & Fronrath include:

  • Finger, hand, and wrists sprains
  • Pulled muscles and torn ligaments
  • Fractured and broken bones
  • Chest and back injuries
  • Slipped disc and spinal cord damage
  • Neck and head trauma
  • Traumatic infections

Good health results in a good life. A gym is a fine place to start–just beware of the potential risks. Being informed is being prepared.

If you have questions or concerns about this or any other personal injury you may have suffered, Make a free call to the law team at Lytal, Reiter, Smith, Ivey & Fronrath and set up a free consultation.  Call 561-655-1990.