Before we talk about the dangers, let’s first define what a gym is. A gym is a piece of equipment used to exercise your muscles, bones, and joints. Gymnastics, weight lifting platforms of all sorts, and climbing walls are also included in this definition of a gym.
Most people have been in gyms or have at least seen the ads on TV. Generally, they are large rooms where fitness equipment is placed. The most common dangers in a gym are caused by careless behavior while using the equipment.
What are these dangers?
The injury at a gym is relatively high but falls into two categories: injuries during workouts and injuries while traveling to and from the gym. The injuries during workouts are caused by lack of information about exercising, lack of knowledge about the equipment, and insufficient preparation for exercise.
The most common dangers in a gym include:
Many people who visit their local gym do not realize that if they don’t know how to use the equipment correctly or if they are not fit enough to do the exercises, they are putting their health in jeopardy.
- How does it work?
The most common dangers in a gym can be easily prevented by following these basic rules:
Before exercising on any equipment at your local gym or even at home, ask yourself if you know how to use it properly. If you don’t, watch a video or read a book about this specific piece of equipment and its protocol. You should also make sure that your body is prepared for the activity by warming up and stretching beforehand.
- What equipment do we need to pay attention to?
I think one of the most dangerous pieces of equipment in any gym is the treadmill. Many people don’t know how to use it or what speed and incline to choose. There are many new models on the market that change the speed as you walk. Someone new to this equipment might think they can turn it on and start walking, which is wrong. If you climb a mountain, you need to take the time to find your pace so you know how fast to climb up. The same goes for the treadmill – it will be difficult to carry on a conversation with someone if you are running or jogging at 12km/h.
- What about dumbbells?
When you’re working out with dumbbells, make sure you don’t drop them and that they are not too heavy. Dumbbells weighing more than 5kg (11lb) should be lifted above the head by bending your arms and holding them up at shoulder height while standing with your legs apart for balance. If you’re lifting a dumbbell in this manner, make sure to keep it close to your body and directly over your shoulders. So, watch out for those dumbbells!
- What about free weights?
While using free weights, you need to stand with your feet hip-width apart and bend your knees slightly for balance. It would be best to sit on a bench or seat to do exercises like the bench press or shoulder press. To avoid injuring your back, keep your abs pulled in and maintain a natural arch in your lower back while you are exercising.
