Gym Safety

Everyone knows that exercise is essential to staying strong and fit. Workouts maintain health and push people to be healthier and happier every day. One very effective way to stay in shape is to obtain a gym membership. Gyms are a great place to meet people and achieve the physical goals that benefit both the body and the mind. However, people can sometimes injure themselves at the gym if they are not careful. It is important for everyone to understand the safety risks at the gym and to understand how to prevent a severe injury to themselves or others.

There is a wide range for the potential of a severe injury while at the gym. Many of these injuries happen more often than one might think. A study conducted by The University of Arkansas concluded that the number of gym-related injuries has increased by 35 percent in recent years.

Stay Safe on the Treadmill

Treadmills may be responsible for more injuries than any other gym-related activity. In 2014, there were over 24,000 injuries associated with using treadmills, sending them to the Emergency Room.

• Injuries. Other than the common lacerations and wounds caused by a treadmill accident, it is also possible for someone to suffer from a bone fracture while running on a treadmill. Irresponsible treadmill use is often the cause of a broken bone. When someone falls while using one, the belt continues to operate and throws the person backward at high speeds, which can lead to injury.

• Prevention. Don’t set the bar too high when using a treadmill, and maintain a practical speed to prevent serious injury. It is best to start out slow on a treadmill and gradually increase the speed over time.  Never jump onto a treadmill while the belt is in motion. Wear appropriate running shoes to prevent foot and knee injury. Always clip the safety stop cord onto the body to stop the machine in the event of a stumble. Stop exercise immediately when experiencing signs of dizziness or fatigue. Always practice proper running posture when operating a treadmill.

Using Resistance Bands

Resistance bands are suitable for stretching and recovery from muscle injuries. Resistance bands can also be very dangerous. They can only resist so much weight before they break and snap back with great force.

• Injuries. Resistance bands have great potential to easily cause severe eye damage. These bands can cause eye injuries that may require immediate medical attention and may also result in blindness. It is even possible for them to cause facial fractures, retinal detachment, swollen eyes, eye inflammation, and eye disfigurement. If there is enough impact, a resistance band is also capable of causing someone to lose an eye.

• Prevention. While most people do not use protective eyewear while using resistance bands, it is a common-sense approach to eye safety when exercising with them. To ensure the integrity of the band, always check for holes or tears in them.

Lifting Weights

The most influential factor involved in weight-related injuries is all about technique. Improper technique results in both trauma and a lack of muscle gain, rendering the exercise as useless as it is dangerous.

• Injuries. Weight safety is paramount because of so many potential injuries that can be caused by lifting. In many cases, these injuries can last for a lifetime. Free weights can be especially dangerous because they are not fastened to anything and rely entirely on the holder’s ability to control them. One common weight-related injury is a herniated disc. When excessive strain and trauma to the spine causes damage to the connective tissue between the vertebrae, a herniated disc is the result. In severe cases, a herniated disc can cause permanent disability.

• Prevention. To prevent injuries caused by weight lifting, always perform exercises with proper form. Always warm up by stretching. Start with lighter weights and add more weight to each set. Be aware of the other people in the area to keep them from harm. If there are feelings of dizziness, stop the exercise immediately. Dizziness causes a loss of control and body function and can be dangerous when holding weights. Make sure that weights are properly fastened onto the bar to keep them from falling off and hurting someone. When lifting, always make sure to have a small curvature in the lower back. Also known as a neutral spine, this natural posture is the best way to prevent a severe back injury.

Ultimately when it comes to any form of exercise, the best preventative method for injury prevention is by executing the proper technique. Doing so not only prevents the possibility of serious injury, but it also ensures that the maximum results are achieved.

The Emergency Center is here for you if you have a workout or gym-related injury. We can treat breaks, sprains, back pain, and diagnose and treat eye injuries. Do not hesitate to come to The Emergency Center.  The Emergency Center provides up to 23 hours of Observation and offers 24/7 care with NO WAITING. Visit The Emergency Center’s convenient 24-hour location in San Antonio.

The Emergency Center

San Antonio
11320 Alamo Ranch Pkwy
San Antonio, TX 78253
Phone: 210-485-3644