Injury - Time For A Break Or Time To Adapt?

If you are unable to use the gym due to an injury or medical issue, you have the ability and the right to freeze your membership with a doctor’s excuse but should you?

Obviously you need to listen to your doctor but don’t be afraid to ask questions. If you hurt your arm, ask if it would be O.K. to still work your legs and/or do cardio. If your leg is in a cast, are you allowed to come to the gym and do upper body exercises?

You may laugh and believe I'm taking this whole exercise thing too far. You might be thinking, "Hey, if I'm hurt why shouldn't I just enjoy some R & R?"

Well, here’s the deal. After 15 years in the fitness industry and 10 years of owning a gym, I can tell you that an injury can be a blip on the radar or a real setback to your health, fat loss and fitness goals.

I’ve actually had someone in a lower leg cast come in and work upper body as soon as she was able. I’ve designed programs for members with knee or ankle problems that didn’t involve leaving a bench. If you have an upper body injury, there are plenty of lower body exercises that can be done, even if you can’t hold weights.

So what’s the big deal? Why not just enjoy the exercise vacation? Because the members who continue to use the gym not only maintain a higher level of fitness, they also maintain their exercise HABIT and relieve stress.

Do you really want your fitness level to deteriorate after all your hard work? In addition, many people struggle with working out on a regular basis. If that’s sounds like you, remember, the longer you stay away, the harder it is to get back into a routine.

If you're injured, check with your doctor and then do what you can safely do.

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