The gym is indeed a wonderful place where magical transformations take place. We go for a variety of reasons; to be healthier, transform our bodies, train for a sport, or to simply sweat it out and be active.
However, a gym or fitness center is filled with various machines, contraptions, bars and plates that may also pose a danger and cause harm if we are not careful.
Here are some gym tips for safer workouts:
Do not leave children unsupervised—Letting a toddler or young child wander into an adult gym unsupervised may end up being an unpleasant experience. Naturally curious and energetic, kids will have a grand time running around, pulling on levers, jumping on machines, and playing with objects such as dumbbells that may somehow end up hurting them—or others. From hurting their fingers on the chest press machine to dropping a weight plate on their feet, accidents are likely to happen if we let our little children have their way in the gym. If we must bring them inside, have an adult keep an eye on them at all times.
Return weights, equipment to their proper places—Not only is it rude to leave your weights scattered all over the place, but it also sets the stage for preventable accidents. An un-racked barbell left on the floor can cause someone to trip; a dumbbell left on a bench can fall on someone’s foot. Simply return equipment to their designated positions, and not where they can result in unwanted gym accidents.
Use a spotter—For sure, with each workout we want to push ourselves hard to accelerate results. This pushing, however, must be done in a safe manner. If, for instance, we want to load more plates while doing bench presses, make sure to use a spotter. Ask a friend or a gym staff to spot you if you think you are using more weight than what you can possibly handle. Rather than being crushed under the weight of an overloaded barbell, it is best that a spotter help you crank out that extra repetition and usher you to safety. If no spotter is in sight, stick to a weight that you’re sure you can handle.
Stay hydrated—Sure, this is a no-brainer. But in the heat of a frenzied workout where you may be sweating more than you are taking in water, dehydration can strike hard. While mild dehydration is quite manageable, being severely dehydrated can have serious consequences on your health. From mild heat cramps to a life-threatening heat stroke, the possible consequences of dehydration are a serious matter. The simple fix is to drink a glass of water (around 6 oz.) every 15 minutes while working out. For good measure, drink even before you feel thirsty.
For a workout to be productive and fulfilling, it must always be a safe one. Let’s all embrace the grind and stay safe, and injury free.
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