How careful are you in the gym? It may surprise you to realize that, regardless of how attentive you think you are, you’re taking some mighty awful risks every time you hit the weights or step on a treadmill. Of course, getting injured in the gym is more than just a setback to your fitness: it can mean real consequences rippling through the rest of your life, with implications far beyond your max squat. Let's talk about the 5 most common gym injuries faced by the fitness-savvy, and help you figure out the steps to take to avoid finding yourself on the receiving end.
City Fitness Philly
Recent Posts
Looking for lifts a bit off the beaten path? Sometimes, a change of pace can have a real benefit to our exercise regimen. The body gets too accustomed to a particular workout and slows growth, the mind grows bored with the same deadlifts and military presses day-in and day-out, and our time in the gym thus becomes less fun, less effective, less worthwhile. So next time you head out, consider these 5 unique lifts to spice up your strength regimen, clean up weak spots, and test your all-round fitness.
Few aspects of exercise turns those who would be fit and healthy back into couch potatoes faster than intense or never-ending muscle soreness. Pain doesn't just turn exercise into a chore we'd rather not face, it can have real impacts on our performance at work, home, and during hobbies--and of course, the inflammation which causes muscle pain shouldn't be left unattended. Whether you see bigger problems during your workouts or in the hours or days following, these seven tips should see you in the gym longer, more often, with less pain and more gain to show for it.
After stepping on the scales, you’re baffled by the number you see. For the last several weeks, you’ve dutifully ate three, healthy meals each day. Unfortunately, the number on the scales seems stuck. If you can relate to this scenario, are you monitoring your snacks? To lose weight and keep it off for life, consider the following five snacking habits to avoid.
Regular cross-training is essential for runners, cyclists, and a variety of other athletes. While swimming is often touted as the ideal cross-training activity, a little variety can prove very beneficial. Thus, rowing is becoming increasingly popular among those who prefer to target their arms and core while cross-training. High-intensity, low-impact, and surprisingly fun, rowing is perfect for amping up your usual exercise routine.
The paleo diet focuses on healthy fats, meats and vegetables while excluding grains, sugar, processed foods, salt, legumes, coffee and alcohol. It favors the foods and lifestyle choices of our paleolithic ancestors. If you stick to the plan, portion control, and calorie counting are less essential.
What Are Shin Splints?
Most people who run regularly (for whatever reason) have, at one time or another, experienced what are commonly known as shin splints. Shin splints are democratic. They strike anyone who unevenly uses the lower leg muscles. Usually, the finger is pointed at runners, but wearers of higher heels can develop a fine case of shin splints, too.
Have leg cramps ever stopped you in your tracks? You would remember if it happened. These cramps are the worst and once they start, feel as if they will return with one wrong move. According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, muscles most prone to cramping are those that cross two joints. These include your hamstrings, quadriceps and gastrocnemius- backs of thighs, fronts of thighs and backs of lower legs. If you've been concentrating on strengthening your legs and have experienced an increase in leg cramping, try adding a few stretches to your workout routine. This will help keep you flexible and possibly reduce leg cramps.
An injury can sideline you for weeks or even months. So, once the doctor has cleared you to workout after an exercise injury, how do you go about getting back into shape? Today, we have you covered with tips on how to do just that!
People who are just learning about their body and the type of exercise equipment that is available to them often have some major decisions to make. Not only does exercise equipment range in price, it also ranges in varying degrees of complexity. If you are just starting out, you don't need a machine with all the bells and whistles attached. It will end up being overwhelming and you are more likely to give up when you realize you are in over your head. Look for pieces of equipment that fit within your limitations as well as your goals. A perfect example of choosing the best cardio machine is whether to choose an elliptical machine or a treadmill.
