At this time of year, most gyms in Hollywood and South Florida see more business as people set New Year’s resolutions to lose weight and get in shape. In fact, the first few weeks of the New Year tend to be the busiest time of year for gyms and many fitness businesses offer special promotions to entice people to join.
Unfortunately, the enthusiasm to get in shape can lead to serious injury. In some cases, new gym members might not know how to use every piece of equipment or may overdo things and get injured due to overexertion. Larger crowds at the gym can also lead to dangerous conditions, especially if spills and other hazards aren’t removed promptly because of the sudden influx of new clients.
Injuries sustained at the gym can happen at any time, even to people who are quite fit. They can range from relatively minor injuries to permanent injuries. However, even a so-called minor injury such as a sprain can mean medical bills, time away from work, and pain and suffering. Gym injuries can include:
- muscle strains and pulls
- slip and fall and trip and fall injuries
- head injuries
- wrist or ankle sprains
- shoulder dislocations
- tendinitis
- knee injuries
- overexertion
- shin splints
Preventing Injuries When You Try to Get Fit in Hollywood
There are several ways to prevent gym-related injuries:
- Talk to your doctor before you start an exercise regime or join a gym. Develop a plan for gradually building fitness without injury.
- Choose your gym wisely. Check reviews and ratings or talk to current clients to find a gym with a good reputation for safety and cleanliness.
- Start slow. Don’t try to be a weekend warrior. Stick with gentle exercise until you can handle more challenging machines, more strenuous exercises, and heavier weights.
- Get an employee at the gym show you how to use the gym equipment correctly and safely.
- Always wipe off the machines before using them. It’s more sanitary and ensures you can keep a better grip on the machines while exercising.
- Vary your workout. Try machines one day, swimming the next, and weight lifting a different day. You’ll work different muscles and reduce the risk of injury caused by repetitive strain.
- Wear the right workout clothes. Wear clothes to the gym that are comfortable and fit correctly. Avoid clothing with hanging hems or dangling drawstrings that can get caught in machines. Invest in good-quality shoes with adequate support for your workouts.
Do You Have a Premises Liability Claim?
If you’re injured in the gym in Hollywood or your community — whether in the showers, while working out, in the parking lot, or anywhere on the property – you may have a premises liability claim if your injuries were caused by the gym owner’s negligence.
In order to prove you have a premises liability claim, you need to prove the gym owner owed you a duty of care as a client and breached that duty. If you’re not sure whether you have a claim, contact Flaxman Law Group for a free accident consultation. The attorneys at our South Florida law firm can offer a free accident consultation so you get a chance to discuss your situation with a member of our legal team. We can talk about your injuries and work to show you whether you have a claim.