With Sport Relief taking place later this month and the summer months finally in sight, many people might be thinking about getting back into their health and fitness regimes and making the most of their gym memberships! People are becoming more health-focused than ever before, and in 2015, the amount people were spending on gym memberships grew 44% on the previous year. But regardless of your workout routines, gyms can be inherently dangerous places, hence the minimum age of 16 for gym participation and the safe practices trainers teach people. If you are looking to up your gym time ready for that charity event, or to get that beach body transformation in motion, there are a lot of measures you can take to ensure that you work out in a safe environment and achieve the progress you are looking for.
Choose Wisely
Under the Occupiers Liability Act 1957, gym operators and their trainers have certain legal responsibilities to maintain a safe environment for their customers. This covers areas like proper equipment maintenance, and instructing safe use of equipment and exercise methods. It is important that you be selective when looking for a gym to join. Take advantage of ‘free first session’ deals, explore the premises and check the condition of the equipment. Talk to the staff before signing up, and read reviews or even talk to people using the gym. Finding a gym that really looks out for your safety is essential.
Focus
A lot of gym-related injuries are sustained because of misuse or mistakes when using equipment, and the prominence of fast-moving machines and heavy weights make the attached risks considerable. Many gyms ask new members to sign disclaimers or waivers for this reason, and in a lot of instances, the user is found to be at fault when incidents occur. So when training at the gym, it is important that you are physically prepared for it (rested, nourished and hydrated) and focus on what you are doing and any instructions you are given by experts. A momentary lapse in concentration could cause injury.
Medical Advice
It can be a good idea to have a checkup with your GP before starting at the gym. This way, you can have any necessary tests conducted, and you can get an idea of how any pre-existing conditions might impact your suitability to work out. Your doctor can advise you of how to get started with an exercise regime that will work for you in a healthy way. Similarly, if you feel at any point that you experience any aches or pains that you think may prevent you from working out safely, consult with your doctor before returning to the gym.
Accidents
If the worst does happen and you have an accident or sustain an injury in the gym, it is important you know how to handle the situation efficiently and in your best interest. Take as much evidence as possible at the scene of the accident, such as photographs, of anything relevant to your accident, including any equipment used. Gather the testimonies of amy witnesses to your accident, and write down as much as you can about the accident from your side. Ask any medical experts who treat you to give you copies of documents. If you feel that your accident was a result of negligence on the gym’s part, you may consider making a claim for compensation. Consult with a solicitor, who can give you a legal perspective on your case, and if they think you have been the victim of negligence, can show you how to claim gym accident compensation.
Visiting the gym can be a very enjoyable, worthwhile and sociable activity and it can take months to recover from an accident or injury, which is why it it so important to take steps to keep yourself safe in the gym and reduce chances of an accident occurring.
