Gym Injuries

I have been involved in Health Clubs and gyms for twenty five years, both as an instructor and for his own personal training. I spent many years as a personal trainer before studying Sports injuries and Osteopathy for a further Five years.

It never ceases to amaze me how badly people perform their exercises when training in health clubs. I train regularly at least twice per week, although at beyond half century I do not train with quite the same vigour. Each time I train I see at least 8-10 people attempting to do more than they should and in very bad form. Obviously I cannot interfere, however I believe you would agree with me that there are never enough qualified instructors to oversee the members training.

Advice

First and foremost, when joning a Health Club have an instructor to discuss you goals. This will enable them to guide you in your training and programme selection. Once this has been done ask them to show you correct techniques for your prescribed workout exercises. Make sure that they supervise your technique again after a few weeks as it is too easy to fall into bad practice. Try not to do just the exercises you are good at, create more balance. If at all possible, train with someone who has experience for a few sessions, most regular trainers are happy to do this.

Stretching plays a very important role in muscle function. Too little time is spent stretching with the consequence that muscles become shorter and unable to perform correctly. STRETCH DAILY! Try not to do just the exercises you are good at, create more balance.

Most problems in the gym are caused by too much repetition of the same exercise and insufficient rest time between sessions. Often a programme may be given that is not suitable for your body type, this may lead to overstraing of tendons and subsequent pressure on joints with chronic tendonitis.

Common Problems that may suggest visiting an Osteopath:

• Persistent Hamstring or Calf strains
• Low back pain after trainiing that does not go away after 2 days
• Shoulder pains
• Knee problems that do not go away
• Tingling or pins & needles in feet or hands
• Recurring Achilles and ankle problems
• Neck pains and Headaches