Going to the gym or your local swimming pool is supposed to be fun, not to mention good for your health. Unfortunately, safety measures are not always followed carefully which can lead to accidents and injuries. Accidents can occur in the sports hall, reception area, changing rooms or even the corridor. There are a number of safety procedures that companies have to endorse by law in order to be deemed safe by health and safety standards.
Accidents can happen when you least expect so it’s important to always be on your guard. Don’t just rely on the staff at the gym to keep everything safe; there are steps you can take too to minimize the risk of accidents and injuries. In addition to following the rules of your gym, you should also adopt the rule of common sense to help make your gym sessions safer.
When Lifting Heavy Weights:
It’s important to set the weights down gently on the floor so as not to damage the equipment or harm yourself. If you are lifting heavy weights, it’s worth asking someone to watch that you’re OK. This can help reduce the risk of heavy weights falling on you. Once you’ve finished with the weights, make sure you replace them properly to avoid others tripping or falling over them.
Take a Towel:
When you go to the gym, it’s natural to assume you’re going to sweat. Be considerate to others and wipe up any perspiration. This not only helps improve sanitation but also promotes safety. The last thing you want to happen is for someone to slip in your sweat puddle and fall over and injure themselves. Take a towel with you on each gym trip and mop up any sweat before moving on.
Learn Proper Techniques:
By learning the correct technique for using each piece of gym equipment, you’ll more easily avoid injury. If it’s your first time at the gym, ask one of the trainers to show you around and teach you how to use each piece of equipment. Most gyms also have step-by-step picture guides by each piece of equipment to show you the correct way to lift weights or position your body. Before attempting to lift heavy weights, start out with lighter ones and build up gradually to ensure you don’t pull a muscle.
Water is Important:
It’s easy to get caught up in your exercise regime and lose track of the time. Always drink water regularly whilst exercising to reduce the risk of becoming dehydrated. Conversely. Don’t drink too much water at once, as doing this can cause just as many health problems.
Remember to Warm up and Cool down:
Always ensure your muscles are warm before you start to exercise. If you prefer going to the gym early in the morning, make sure you get out of bed at least 45 minutes before you start exercise as this gives muscles the chance to warm up first and reduces the risk of injury. Have a cool down session at the end and include plenty of stretches to prevent muscles strains and cramps.
If you become injured at the gym and it isn’t your fault, you may be entitled to claim for compensation. Make sure you take a photo of your injury and report it to a member of staff as soon as it happens. They’ll need to record it in their accident book. All gyms should have a first aid kit, so don’t be afraid to ask to use it should you injure yourself. Follow the above steps to help stay safe at the gym.
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- License: Creative Commons image source
This huest blog was contributed by James Wentworth a freelance bloggwe who knows that working hard to keep exercise safe is far preferable to paying out for accident claims.
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