Exercise for Good Health and to Reduce Injuries
The benefits of physical activity and exercise far outweigh the risks of injury; however, ACC statistics show that:
• There were nearly 40,000 new claims for fitness training and gym related injuries in 2013. This is 9% of all
sports claims.
• 59% of injuries to young men were categorised as “lifting carrying and strain”. This is most often from lifting
weights.
• 37% of injuries to middle aged women are loss of balance or personal control most often associated with gym
classes such as aerobics, yoga, Pilates and boxing.
While not all injuries can be prevented, there are some basic steps you can take to ensure your exercise programme is
not interrupted unnecessarily from injury.
Warm up and recovery
Warming up prior to exercising means you are prepared both mentally and physically by increasing the blood flow to
muscles, increasing the overall body temperature and making us more alert.
By performing mobility exercises and stretching after exercise you increase muscle range of movement, which decreases
the chance of injury by allowing an effective range of movement at joints.
Taking the time to prepare your body by warming up will also improve performance during the exercise session. It’s well
worth the short time needed.
Adhering to prescribed exercise
Through regular exercise we become more in tune with what our body is capable of, and see the results of our investment
in our health. However, nothing can replace the training and experience of an exercise professional when it comes to
making sure the correct amount, and the right type of exercise is prescribed.
By getting the correct exercise advice, and following it, you can ensure that you do not attempt exercises that are
inappropriate for your exercise level, or train at an intensity or volume that does not take into account your current
health profile.
Many injuries do not occur in isolation, rather they are the result of ongoing movement patterns that create an
imbalance over time, leading to an injury.
You don’t need to be the expert - a registered exercise professional will be able to guide you on your way.
Using correct technique
It doesn’t matter how well an exercise session is planned, if exercise technique is not correct then not only will
injury be risked, but also results may be slowed. Weights that are too heavy, movements that are uncontrolled, and focus
on the wrong muscle group can all lead to injury.
There are a lot of myths out there about exercise speed and range, some of it is fact, but much of it is based on
‘enthusiastic amateurs’ sharing what they believe, rather than registered exercise professionals sharing what they know.
Even if you are not regularly working with an exercise professional, get a check in on your technique to keep yourself
on track and injury free.
Working in a safe environment
Injuries can often occur due to external factors such as an incorrectly loaded weights, or an unexpected trip in a park
based boot camp session.
Make sure the environment you are working in is safe. Does the instructor keep a hazard management register? Do they
have access to a first aid kit? Does your outdoor trainer arrive before you to ensure the area is safe? Being injury
free is not just about what you do, but where you do it.
Staying injury free during exercise is a group effort. Engage the skills of a registered exercise professional, be
confident in sharing how you feel during your exercise workout, and make sure the environment you exercise in is hazard
free.