- While gyms fill with determined people eager to start fresh fitness routines in January, many find themselves injured by February. A study reveals which body parts are the most common trouble spots.
- Melanie McNeal from Baylor University’s Joseph Barnhart Department of Orthopedic Surgery emphasizes the importance of stretching before and after workouts to prevent injuries.
- Experts suggest increasing weights gradually, icing sore muscles, and using compression sleeves to stabilize muscles and joints.
Every January, gyms fill with determined people eager to start fresh workout routines. But by February, many find themselves swapping protein shakes for painkillers.
A study reported by The Daily Sentinel highlights how January’s fitness resolutions often lead to February injuries. Research from High Rise Financial analyzed data from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) to determine the most frequently injured body parts.
The upper trunk, lower trunk and knees were the three most injury-prone areas. Fingers also made the list, rounding out the top 10.
Point phone camera here
Why do so many people get injured?
The reasons for these injuries vary. Many people jump into intense workouts too quickly after months or years of inactivity. This sudden shift often leads to muscle strains or serious injuries.
Another common cause is poor form. Beginners who don’t know the proper techniques for lifting weights or using gym equipment are more likely to get hurt.
Skipping warm-ups and cooldowns, dehydration and overexertion also increase the risk of injuries.
How to prevent workout injuries
Melanie McNeal, a physical and occupational therapy manager at Baylor University’s Joseph Barnhart Department of Orthopedic Surgery, offers key advice. In a Baylor Health article, she says that stretching before and after workouts is crucial.
She compares it to melting something in the microwave—just like heat softens an object, warming up increases blood flow to the muscles, helping them stretch further and lowering injury risk.
McNeal also emphasizes preventative care. She recommends building core strength before adding heavier lifting exercises.
Safe ways to reach your fitness goals
To avoid injuries, experts suggest:
- Increasing weights gradually rather than pushing too hard too soon.
- Icing sore muscles throughout the day to reduce inflammation.
- Using compression sleeves to stabilize muscles and joints.
Get up to speed on the stories leading the day every weekday morning. Sign up for the newsletter today!
By entering your email, you agree to the Terms & Conditions and acknowledge the Privacy Policy.
Your fitness goals are achievable — but avoiding injuries requires patience, proper form and recovery strategies. These precautions can help ensure your New Year’s workout routine doesn’t become a February doctor visit.
[KENNEDY FELTON]
Every January, gyms fill with determined people eager to start fresh fitness routines. But by February, many find themselves swapping protein shakes for painkillers.
A study reported by The Daily Sentinel highlights how January’s fitness resolutions often lead to February injuries. Research from High Rise Financial analyzed data from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) to determine the most frequently injured body parts.
The upper trunk, lower trunk, and knees were the top three injury-prone areas. Even fingers made the list, rounding out the top ten.
Why do so many people get injured?
The reasons for these injuries vary. Many people jump into intense workouts too quickly after months or years of inactivity. This sudden shift often leads to muscle strains or even serious injuries.
Another common cause is poor form. Beginners who don’t know the proper techniques for lifting weights or using gym equipment are more likely to get hurt.
Skipping warm-ups and cooldowns, dehydration, and overexertion also increase the risk of injuries.
How to prevent workout injuries
Melanie McNeal, a physical and occupational therapy manager at Baylor’s Joseph Barnhart Department of Orthopedic Surgery, offers key advice. In a Baylor Health article, she stresses that stretching before and after workouts is crucial.
She compares it to melting something in the microwave. Just like heat softens an object, warming up increases blood flow to the muscles, helping them stretch further and lowering injury risk.
McNeal also emphasizes preventative care. She recommends building core strength before adding heavier lifting exercises.
Safe ways to reach your fitness goals
To avoid injuries, experts suggest:
- Increasing weights gradually rather than pushing too hard too soon.
- Icing sore muscles throughout the day to reduce inflammation.
- Using compression sleeves to stabilize muscles and joints.
Your fitness goals are achievable—but avoiding injuries requires patience, proper form, and recovery strategies. Taking these precautions can help ensure that your New Year’s workout routine doesn’t turn into a February doctor visit.
Straight to your inbox.
By entering your email, you agree to the Terms & Conditions and acknowledge the Privacy Policy.
