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For immediate release:  July 18 , 2007 (Clyde, NC)

Weighing in on Weight Training Safety

Weighing the pros and cons of weight lifting? Potential health benefits include stronger muscles, increased bone density, less body fat, better muscle tone, and improved overall quality of life. But “weight”—don’t forget about these possible drawbacks: strains, sprains, fractures, and nerve damage.

According to David Yount, Exercise Physiologist and Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist at the Haywood Regional Health and Fitness Center,  “If you are a first timer, it is smart to get your physicians referral and to seek out a professional at the gym to teach you proper lifting technique.”

To help avoid injury, take these precautions when strength training:

• When picking free weights up from the floor, lift with your legs—not your back.

• Never use equipment with loose or missing parts.

• Start slowly with light weights. When you’re ready to add more pounds, ask a friend to “spot” you in case the load becomes too heavy to handle.

• Always wear close-toed shoes with good traction when you weight train.

• Breathe out as you’re lifting weight. Breathe in when you lower it.

• Don’t force it. If weight lifting hurts, stop.

“The pros of strength training far outweigh the cons,” Yount concluded.  “Take these precautions when strength training and you should feel some results within a couple of weeks.” 

For more information about Weight Training, or to learn more about the Haywood Regional Health and Fitness Center, call 452-8080.     

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