Medically Reviewed by Dr Wang Lushun
Senior Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon
MBBS (S’pore), MRCS (Edinburgh), MMed (Ortho), FRCS (Ortho) (Edinburgh)
Regular gym training offers many health benefits, from improved strength to better overall fitness. However, gym-related injuries are increasingly common, especially as more people take up weight training, high-intensity workouts, and group fitness classes. Many of these injuries are preventable with the right approach, technique, and awareness.
Understanding the most common gym injuries and how they occur can help you train safely and reduce your risk of long-term joint or muscle problems.
Gym injuries typically affect joints and muscles that are repeatedly loaded or placed under strain. These include:
One of the most common causes of gym injuries is poor exercise technique. For example, incorrect squat depth, poor hip hinge mechanics, or allowing the knees to collapse inward during lower-body exercises can place excessive stress on the joints and soft tissues.
Another common cause is lifting weights that are too heavy, too soon. Progressing too quickly without building proper strength and control increases the risk of muscle and joint injuries.
Skipping warm-ups or cool-downs also contributes to injury risk. Muscles and joints that are not adequately prepared for activity are more prone to strain, while inadequate recovery can lead to stiffness and overuse problems.
It is also common for sports enthusiasts or athletes to overtrain and not get sufficient rest. Training the same muscle groups repeatedly without rest prevents proper recovery and increases the likelihood of injury.
Finally, many people tend tostrong ignore their pain and power through it. While muscle fatigue is normal, joint pain, sharp discomfort, or persistent soreness should not be ignored and medical attention should be sought.
Taking a structured and mindful approach to training can significantly reduce one’s risk of injury during workouts.
While mild muscle soreness is common after exercise, an evaluation by a sports orthopaedic surgeon is recommended if you experience:
Early evaluation can help prevent minor issues from becoming more serious injuries.
Gym injuries are common but are usually preventable. By focusing on proper technique, sensible training progression, and early recognition of warning signs, you can protect your joints and train more safely and sustainably.
If pain persists or limits your ability to exercise or carry out daily activities, please make an appointment with our experienced specialist, Dr Wang Lushun, who will provide an accurate diagnosis and recommend appropriate, effective treatments to get you back on your feet again.
MBBS (S’pore), MRCS (Edin), MMed (Ortho), FRCS (Ortho) (Edin)
With over 20 years of experience, Dr Wang Lushun is an orthopaedic surgeon who specialises in treating a wide range of sports injuries and musculoskeletal conditions. He has in-depth experience in minimally invasive surgery and advanced robotic surgery. Dr Wang provides orthopaedic care to athletes and everyday individuals throughout their journey to recovery.
