Injury Proof Your Workout

May 6
00:45

2024

Sandra Prior

Sandra Prior

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Summary: Enhance your fitness routine by learning how to prevent common workout injuries. This detailed guide offers practical solutions for issues ranging from swimming-induced eye irritation to weightlifting skin scrapes. By understanding the causes and implementing effective fixes, you can enjoy a safer, more effective workout experience.

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Common Workout Injuries and How to Avoid Them

Swimming: Avoiding Burning Eyes

Problem: Despite tightly fitted goggles,Injury Proof Your Workout Articles chlorine water often seeps in during flip turns, causing eye irritation.

Cause: Ineffective water seal around the goggles during dynamic movements.

Fix: Improve your flip turn technique. Before pushing off the wall, streamline your body by pressing your outstretched arms against your ears and leading with the top of your head. This technique reduces water resistance and helps maintain a tight seal on your goggles. Learn more about proper swimming techniques.

Weightlifting: Reducing Neck Discomfort from Squat Bars

Problem: Pain and discomfort at the base of the neck during squats.

Cause: Direct pressure from the metal bar on the cervical vertebrae due to improper bar placement or lack of cushioning.

Fix: Adjust the bar placement slightly lower than usual to avoid the sensitive bony area. Use additional padding like a gym towel wrapped around the bar, or switch to dumbbells to distribute the weight more evenly. Explore safe squat techniques.

Gymnastics and Pull-Ups: Preventing Tender Skin

Problem: Skin irritation and pinching during pull-ups.

Cause: The thick skin below the fingers gets trapped under the bar during weight shifts.

Fix: Modify your grip. Position your hands so the thick skin is not directly under the bar. Grip the bar at the crease of your fingers and palms, ensuring a smoother movement without pinching the skin.

Boxing: Protecting Your Knuckles

Problem: Frequent and intense punching leads to bruised or bloody knuckles.

Cause: Rapid increase in punching intensity without giving the skin time to toughen.

Fix: Gradually increase the intensity and duration of your punching sessions. Start with shorter sessions at full strength and gradually increase as your skin adapts. This method helps build endurance and strength in both muscles and skin. Read about boxing training tips.

Tennis: Avoiding Thumb Blisters

Problem: Painful blisters on the thumb from gripping the racquet too tightly.

Cause: Excessive friction between the skin and racquet handle due to a tight grip.

Fix: Loosen your grip on the racquet. This not only prevents blisters but also potentially increases your swing speed and reduces arm fatigue, allowing for longer playing sessions as your grip strength improves.

Deadlifting: Avoiding Skin Scrapes

Problem: Scrapes and abrasions on the legs from the barbell during lifts.

Cause: Improper bar path and positioning leading to the bar dragging across the legs.

Fix: Position your body correctly before the lift. Ensure your shoulders are slightly in front of the bar and your shoulder blades are aligned directly over it. This alignment helps keep the bar close to your body without scraping against your legs during the lift.

Conclusion

Preventing common workout injuries is crucial for maintaining a healthy and sustainable fitness routine. By understanding the causes of these injuries and implementing the suggested fixes, you can protect your body and enhance your performance. Always consider consulting with fitness professionals to ensure that your techniques and practices are safe and effective.