Working Out At The Gym? Here’s How to Avoid Injuries

Working out at the gym is a part of life for so many adults of all ages. In fact, it’s estimated that as many as fifty million of us across the United States hold active gym memberships. And that’s not including the countless people who train on equipment at home! Especially come winter, many of us flock to the gym to stay fit. 

While engaging in a regular gym routine can be a good thing — whether it’s for cardio, weight training or both — it can also lead to strains, sprains and other injuries from poor weightlifting technique and overuse. The physical therapist at The Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Center can help fitness enthusiasts who have sustained an injury get back on track, and offers some useful advice on how to prevent your workout routine from causing more harm than good.

• Warm up and cool down: Take five or ten minutes to do some gentle stretching, and walk or jog to slowly raise your heart rate before starting your routine. Repeating these steps when you’re done helps your muscles and heart rate recover.

• Technique and form: If you’re a beginner or have not had training, our physical therapy staff can guide you in attaining optimal form and building a workout routine that fits your age, physique and fitness level.

• Best foot forward: Footwear with good arch support and cushioning is the best way to provide a solid foundation for your workout.

• Welcome mats: Especially if you’re working out at home, use an exercise or yoga mat; don’t work out on hardwood or carpeted floors.

• Cross train: Change up your routine to prevent the overuse of some muscles and to strengthen others. 

If you have visited a doctor because of an injury related to your workout, or would like to know more about the state-of-the-art training equipment at our facility, please contact The Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Center for information or to schedule an evaluation.