New year, new gym injuries |
As Christmas fades into memory, many of us turn our attention to the new year and the promise of a fresh start. For millions of people, that means joining a gym in the hope of exercising more and improving their health.
In the UK alone, more than ten million adults hold gym memberships, and January attendance is around 28% higher than in December as people act on new year resolutions.
And it is a good idea. In the depths of January, physical activity can give you an endorphin kick, caused by the release of natural brain chemicals that improve mood and reduce stress. Regular exercise is also linked to a lower risk of serious conditions including cancer, heart disease, stroke, type-2 diabetes and many more.
The problem is not exercise itself. It is how people start.
The body adapts to exercise gradually. When it is pushed beyond what it is ready for, the risk of injury rises sharply, and pain does not always appear straight away.
Delayed onset muscle soreness (Doms) is the stiffness and tenderness that........