I’m in my forties and working out to get in shape for summer – how do I avoid injuries?
Getting back in shape can be easier for us when we are in our prime, say between the ages 20 - 35.
However, as we age into our forties, fifties, and beyond, it seems more difficult to get into achieve gains in the gym. No matter your workout goals, whether it’s losing weight, building muscle, or improving cardiorespiratory endurance – avoiding injury is crucial. Injuries will sideline you from your workout routine and derail your progress.
If you are over the age of 40, it would be wise to start your workout with proper warm-up and stretching. As you hit middle age, workout injuries can happen so easily, especially if you are just getting back into an exercise routine. Even if you have never had a workout injury, you still need to be cautious.
Here are some common injuries we see in our clinics that can happen in middle age without proper warm-up:
- Strained lower back doing back exercises
- Strained biceps trying to lift too heavy on curls
- Strained neck doing back or neck or arms
- Strained wrists using gym equipment
- Tennis elbow (tendon problems in elbow) is very common
Developing the right stretching routine for you can depend on your specific workout.
Do your research about types of stretching or consult a professional athletic trainer. You can also call your local Apex Physical Therapy clinic, our therapists are always ready to discuss proper stretching techniques.
Simply call one of our clinics closest to you and ask for a free assessment. We will schedule you for an in-clinic visit, where a physical therapist will provide you with a comprehensive evaluation of your condition and recommend the best treatment option for you. There’s no cost or obligation, we just want you to start feeling better as soon as possible. Best of all you don’t need a prescription.*
*Per federal guidelines, beneficiaries of plans such as Medicare, Medicaid, Tricare, VHA and other federally funded plans are not eligible for free assessments.