At this time of year, many Hollywood and South Florida residents head to the gym in order to work out and get fit. If one of your resolutions is getting healthy, you may be exercising more often. Unfortunately, a more rigorous exercise schedule, especially if you’re not ready for it, can mean sports injuries or gym injuries.
To prevent injuries such as sprains, strains, fractures and overuse injuries, make sure to use these tips:
- Talk to your doctor first. Speak your physician before undertaking any changes to your diet or your exercise program. A medical professional can evaluate your fitness level and help you choose the most appropriate way for you to get healthy and fit in a safe and realistic manner.
- Start slow. Don’t become a weekend warrior overnight. Muscles take some time to get stronger and if you haven’t exercised in a while, your core strength and balance may not be ideal, making sports injuries more likely. Always stay within your ideal exercise level and gradually build up repetitions or the length of time you spend exercising. You’ll still see amazing results if you start slow and overall your health will be better because you won’t be sidelined by a serious injury.
- Choose your gym wisely. If you are signing up for a gym, start by choosing a gym with an established reputation and positive reviews. Ask for recommendations from your medical professional, friends, and family. Visit the gym before you sign up and ask about their safety processes and their processes for preventing sports injury. Check the credentials of the people who run the gym and those who work with clients. Check to make sure that the gym is carefully maintained, reducing the risk of slip and fall and trip and fall injuries, as well as other injuries.
- Get professional help. If it’s been a while since you exercised or if you have underlying medical conditions, a trainer can be a good way to ensure you don’t overdo it and you maintain correct form, which can help you lower your risk of injury. Always investigate any potential trainers or coaches carefully to ensure they have the qualifications you need to stay safe.
If you have suffered an injury at a gym or due to exercise equipment, you may have a premises liability claim or a products liability claim in Hollywood or your community. Contact a Hollywood personal injury attorney to find out whether you have legal options in your case. You can always contact Flaxman Law Group at 1-866-352-9626 (1-866-FLAXMAN) to speak to a sports injury attorney in Hollywood, Homestead, Miami, or any Sothern Florida community.