Causes of injuries in the gym

Injuries in fitness centers are unfortunately common, but what are the classifications of these injuries, why do they occur, and how can they be prevented? Keep reading to find the answers.

Research

Research entitled: " The causes of injuries sustained at fitness facilities presenting to Victorian emergency departments - identifying the main culprits" whose authors are: Shannon E Gray , Caroline F Finch gives us answers to our questions.

Information was collected from the Victorian Emergency Minimum Dataset from 1999 to 2013. 2873 cases were collected that were suitable for this study,

Results

Of the 2,873 cases listed, 1,856 had the exact activities during which the injury/problem occurred listed.

The largest number of injuries occurred during general use of free weights (exercise not specified), 783 cases or 42.2% of the total number of cases.

Group exercises are second in order with 295 cases (15.9%), third are injuries on the band with 167 cases (9%), then dumbbells with 111 (6%), then squats, lunges and deadlifts with 56 (3%), and other (23.9%).

This data shows us that the use of free weights plays the largest role, as much as 55.6% when the categories of free weights, dumbbells, squats, lunges and deadlifts are added together...

This tells us that training with free weights is potentially more dangerous than training on machines.

How did the injuries occur?

The study stated that all (n=2873) cases had a specified injury.

The largest number of them occurred due to excessive effort/unnatural movements, as many as 1039 cases or 36.2%.

The second most common injuries were injuries caused by crushing due to falling weights - 468 (16.3%), followed by "strange" falls/turns during training - 344 (12%), and impacts with equipment - 275 (9.6%), and other (25.9%).

How to prevent injuries?

They state that it is very important to prepare the space in which a person exercises in order to avoid all injuries caused by blows, falls, impacts to the space (wall, benches...). After that, prepare the person performing the exercise. Gradual and proper warming up, avoiding unnatural movements and positions, especially those that cause discomfort/pain.

Communication between the trainer and the person to detect any interference and potential problems that could lead to injury.

All injuries should be repaired as soon as possible so that the person can return to normal functioning both in training and in everyday life.

What if you are already injured?

Contact us at: radialis@radialis.net and make your appointment!