That doesnt mean you should throw weights around willy-nilly.
You still need to prioritize safety to avoid getting seriously hurt.
The issue here is that certain activities seem to carry a greater reputation for posing particularly high injury risks.
But is weight training any more dangerous than, say, playing soccer?
It turns out that weight training is actually safer than most sports.
A weak body will be prone to injury.
Here are some factors that can vastly increase your risk of injury.
For every movement, there is a generally considered safe and proper way to move the weight.
Prior injuries:Unbeknownst to many aspiring lifters, certain exercises can aggravate pre-existing injuries.
Compromised range of motion:Many exercises can be ill-suited for your current movement patterns.
Big-ass weights are simply unsafe if your form breaks down.
Check the ego at the door, bud.
Theres no one cause:Sometimes you cant blame an injury on one bad deadlift.
The way injuries present is complicated, due to thecomplex nature of pain, says Andrew.
How to Weight Train Safely
Safety should always be your number one priority.
Your amazing number is a lot less impressive if youve got a bum shoulder and hobble around the gym.
), says Andrew.
If form rapidly begins to unravel, just stopthe risk is very often not worth it.
strong muscle activation).
Injuries can happen more frequently when a training program includes inappropriate exercises or overuses certain movements and/or muscles.
A proper training program (such asthis oneorthis one) is more balanced with progressionandyour long-term health in mind.
Still, both reasons can compromise your safety.
For example, a persistent pinch or ache can be indicative of something else entirely.
In weightlifting, themost common areas of injuryoccur in the lower back, knees, and shoulders.
Your muscles and body will benefit.
Illustration by Tina Mailhot-Roberge.
