TRAINER’S TIPS – Meredith talks about injuries

Story by Meredith Nelson / October 17, 2017

TRAINER’S TIPS

Meredith says “Don’t let an injury keep you down!”

As fitness trainers, we encounter injuries of all types and severity – both in ourselves and in our clients.  From the common muscle strain to a major surgery, people often come to us with limitations that we must work around.  As challenging as it is, we commend those clients for wanting to maintain their fitness level despite a setback.

Just as often as we see the walking wounded, we also get the phone call to cancel a workout because of an injury.  To this, we say, “don’t let an injury keep you out of the gym . . . come on in and we’ll focus on something else!”

True, in some situations it is appropriate to completely take some time away from your workouts.  Injuries can often occur when we are tired or may be overtraining, and under these circumstances a workout could exacerbate the injury or even result in another one.  However, if this isn’t the case, it may be good for your body (as well as your mind!) to stick to your workout schedule while adjusting your plan.  Not deviating from your routine can be helpful for the following reasons:

• You may have an opportunity to explore a new area of the gym.  Pulled a back muscle doing yardwork?  Go for a walk, check out the cardio room, or get on your bike . . . the blood flow will speed the healing process, and the extra time doing some low-intensity cardio will be good for your heart.

• You can focus on an area of weakness.  For example, an injured  runner who typically neglects his upper body might spend extra time on working his core, which will enhance his running when he’s able to get back to it.

• Sticking to your routine can help you avoid those feelings that arise when you can’t workout.  Regular exercisers often get the “crazies” – feelings of anxiety, irritability, or even depression, when they can’t get their workouts in.  Being active in some way, even if not your workout of choice, can help you maintain some mental sanity!

Your PrimeTime Fitness trainers are well-equipped to design a program around your limitations, so don’t be afraid to ask for advice!

Regardless of the scope of your injury and your desire to do what you can, it’s always a good idea to check with your physician.  If your injury doesn’t disappear or subside in a few days, see a specialist and ask for specific guidance to help you determine appropriate activities you can perform while you continue to heal.  Keep in mind that if you’re injured and not sure where to turn for help, your trainers have an arsenal of therapists and specialists that we often refer to. Feel free to ask for advice!