Avoiding damage whereas beginning a brand new health routine

MACOMB (WGEM) – A brand new 12 months means new resolutions. A preferred one is consuming more healthy or just getting in higher form. While taking over a brand new health routine has its advantages, it additionally runs the danger of getting burnt out too quickly.

“You should always listen to your body. If something hurts, it’s probably a warning sign. It’s a red flag,” mentioned Tim Piper, MDH coordinator of Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation.

Data from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission reveals that gym-related damage hospital visits go up by over 20% in January in comparison with all different months of the 12 months.

A bulk of these visits are for strains and sprains.

While beginning his position with MDH within the final 12 months or so, Piper’s health experience dates again over 30 years. Having beforehand taught on the college stage, whereas additionally teaching shoppers. He’s additionally an authorized energy and conditioning specialist by way of the National Strength and Conditioning Association.

When Piper first trains a consumer, he begins with the fundamentals. Beginning progressively and never overdoing something.

“We always try and gradually progress, but we’re trying to make sure that the level you’re working at is hard enough to make it actually feel like you’re making progress,” Piper mentioned. “At the same time, not causing any overdue stress or strain.”

Piper mentioned that soreness is commonly related to the preliminary weeks or months in a brand new health routine. He mentioned there are methods to coach round soreness, however ache shouldn’t be educated by way of.

That contains modifying the vary of movement and modifying the depth of the coaching session.

“That tends to make it feel better and kind of work through that, and it helps relieve some of that soreness,” Piper mentioned.

Piper recommends beginning a routine that’s each manageable and enjoyable. Starting an intense routine proper off the bat whereas additionally setting unrealistic objectives can result in dropping the decision altogether.

If sore, Piper suggests shifting round reasonably than staying nonetheless for extended intervals of time.

Copyright 2025 WGEM. All rights reserved.