When many people decide that they want to get into shape, the temptation is to start things off at a fever pitch, running miles at a time and engaging in those workouts and exercises that require a certain amount of time to master. Experience is the key to approaching such workouts. There are machines at your local gym that can get you hurt if you don’t know the proper technique, and pushing yourself beyond your limits actually can do more harm than good for your immediate and longterm health. Ideally, you don't want to start exercising only to have to suddenly start a lumbar spinal fusion recovery right after.
A new report relates some of the exercises that often end with the person engaging in them being injured rather than improving their physique. The advice hails from the New York-based Somers Orthopaedic Surgery & Sports Medicine Group. In addition to simply avoiding these exercises until consulting with a physical trainer, persons can also reduce their injury exposure by warming up prior to engaging in high-risk activities.
Anything involving free weights is going to be somewhat hazardous to the uninitiated, and that is perhaps no truer than with deep squats. Yes, this type of exercise can certainly improve your physique, but if you’re new to the gym, you absolutely must consult with and be supervised by a trainer.
There’s simply too much that can go wrong. If you put more weight on your shoulders than you’re ready to handle, the weights can come down awkwardly, doing damage to your back and causing you to stumble. Your knees could give beneath you, and even if you’re able to lift above your head, you can still strain your muscles if your form is even a little bit skewed.
A military press can prove injurious for similar reasons. Although you’re working out your arms rather than your legs, you’re still lifting heavy amounts of weight above your head. People tend to overestimate the amount they can lift or they’ll think that they don’t need a spotter. Don’t make these mistakes. Have someone who can monitor you while you workout and don’t go too heavy with the weights starting off. Listen to rep suggestions from your trainer.
Finally, though it may seem like one of the safest forms of activity, even jogging can be harmful to the uninitiated. Many people new to jogging tend to underestimate the toll that repeated impacts can take on their feet and bodies. Improving your form and finding a regimen that’s right for you can help mitigate the risks, but if the impact is too much, you might be better off cycling or swimming, as these actions don’t expose you to the same levels of force.
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