Training Safety

When it comes to Training, Safety is First! So we wanted to review some of our most basic conditioing principles and some of the background research as published by ACSM related to injuries specifically associated with Strength and Conditioning.

The most common injuries occur to the back, shoulders and knees, and are most often attributed to pre-existing conditions or to improper technique or movement.

The more you exercise, the lower your chances of sustaining a cardic related event.

Under the age of 40, exercise related cardiac events are most commonly associated with heredity or congenital anomalies.

Over the age of 40, exercise related cardiac events are most commonly related to coronary artery disease.

Safety concerns regarding youth usually revolve around injury to bony growth plates. Studies have shown adverse pubertal growth due to extreme dieting and other nutritional modifications, but NONE from strength training. Additionally, there is no current evidence in the literature to show or support epiphysial plate (growth plate) trauma specifically related to weight training. According to the current literature, injuries associated with strength training are commonly related to poor supervision, unsafe behavior and equipment malfunction. (Clinical Journal of Sports Medicine, 2006, NOV:16(6): 478-487)

Comparison of injuries related to Weight Training vs other Sports.

Weight Training For Conditioning:              .0035 injuries per 100 contact hours
Weight Training as a Sport:                      .0017 injuries per 100 contact hours
Soccer:                                                 6.20 injuries per 100 contact hours
Basketball:                                            .03 injuries per 100 contact hours
American Football:                                  .10 injuries per 100 contact hours
Pediatric Weight Training:                        .055-.176 injuries per 100 contact hours