With cooler weather upon us, folks looking to stay in shape will soon move indoors. Like outdoor sports however, workouts in the gym can also lead to injuries if not done correctly.
Following are several suggestions from Dr. Alexis Chiang Colvin - a sports medicine specialist from the Department of Orthopaedics at Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York City - for those who want to stay safe while staying fit in the gym:
· If you have a history of knee problems, avoid working out using a treadmill as this will create unsafe impact to your knees. Dr. Colvin suggest substituting an indoor bike or elliptical machine or even swimming as safer alternatives
· Always ensure your shoes are appropriate for your workout: sneakers and rubber soled shoes with a durable athletic sock; never use flip flops or shoes without good ankle support so as not to impose undue stress on your joints
· When using a stationary bike, make sure the seat and handlebars are adjusted appropriately to make sure you have a comfortable fit
· When practicing Yoga, if your body is hurting, stop immediately and consult a doctor or physical trainer. Always listen to your body and let pain be your guide. Yoga is not meant to be a competitive sport.
· During Yoga or Pilates workouts, utilize modification blocks to help avoid unbalanced positions and enhance the benefits of the pose. Also, avoid advanced potions such as “full lotus” and hyper flexing of the wrists which can cause unnecessary strain.
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