In one way or another, individuals are prone to abusing their bodies. But, a study conducted in 2010 analyzed 19 years of data related to injury showed that weightlifters rank higher than the average individual in the body-abuse scale. The recorded number of injuries attributed to weight training totals to 25,335 according to the Center for Injury Research and Policy at Nationwide Children’s Hospital. This is based on the number of reports in the emergency departments of hospitals all over the country. If unreported injuries are included, the nationwide count is expected to reach about one million. Alot of the problems stem from the fact that people just don’t know how to build muscle safely.
The data covering 1990-2007 also found out that the yearly injuries increased by around 50% during that span of time. This suggests that more individuals are lifting weights even without the required training. Isaac Romandia, an employee at Gold’s Gym and a body builder said that the popularity of the sport is all about looking good rather than being healthy. Body building is known to put a strain on your muscles and joints. Additionally, for those who are taking supplements, there can be stress put on your liver and kidneys. Spa Fitness Center’s masseuse and floor trainer, Nazul Hernandez, said that more people lift weights believing that it is the best way to enhance their body. He further adds that this way of thinking leads to a high number of injuries among men who lift weights. This idea is supported by the results of the study showing that 82% of the injuries recorded happen to men.
The commonly reported injury includes damaging a body part between weight lifting, overexertion, imbalance and muscle pull. People are also trying to get ripped fast and not allowing for proper rest. According to Hernandez, most of the people he knows with weight lifting related injuries have damaged nerves and cartilage because they use machines more than free weights. Constant machine use ruins the cartilage because of the steady movement of the body. In order to avoid injuries from weight lifting, warm-up, stretching and cross-functional training is important. For those that have no experience, getting a trainer who is certified is also recommended. They can help keep you safe and injury free. GNC consultant Kevin Sgro also added the need for vitamins to protect against injury. This includes glutamine, a non-essential amino acid that aids in the repair of damaged tissues caused by working out.