Improperly supervised fitness training can lead to serious injuries, according to doctors and fitness experts. Instances of individuals suffering harm from unsupervised workouts have raised concerns about the risks of lifting weights or performing other exercises without proper guidance.
In one case, a 21-year-old Gariahat resident, who joined a local gym last November, sustained an injury on his first day while lifting weights. He stopped attending the gym after the incident. Another case involved a man in his early fifties, who injured his back while attempting weight training after following an online video tutorial.
During a recent conference hosted by a Kolkata hospital specializing in neurological disorders, experts emphasized the dangers associated with unsupervised physical exercises such as weightlifting.
Suparno Gangapadhyay, director of neuro rehabilitation at the Institute of Neurosciences Kolkata (I-NK), warned that weight training without oversight is a common cause of injury. “Many patients come to me with neck pain after lifting weights or performing muscle-building exercises without proper guidance,” he said.
A senior physiotherapist and strength coach at a private hospital in the city echoed these concerns, citing frequent fitness-related injuries. “On average, five to six individuals seek treatment each month for injuries related to working out,” he said. “Common issues include lower back strain, knee, shoulder, and neck injuries. Many of these injuries occur when people follow workout routines found online or exercise in gyms without a qualified trainer.”
The coach stressed the importance of tailoring fitness programs to individual body types. “Each person has a unique body, and a workout plan should reflect that. If an injury occurs, it’s crucial to consult a specialist immediately,” he advised.
Gangapadhyay highlighted that fitness-related injuries can affect anyone, not just athletes. “Repetitive stress injuries, which result from overuse or repetitive movements, can impact anyone—from fitness enthusiasts to people doing household chores or even those who spend long hours working on computers,” he explained.
These injuries can lead to neurological issues, which may require detailed rehabilitation. “Symptoms range from back pain to numbness in the wrist,” Gangapadhyay noted. “For example, carpal tunnel syndrome, often caused by extended computer use, can result in pain, tingling, and weakness in the fingers and wrist.”
Gangapadhyay warned that if nerve damage goes untreated, it could worsen over time, leading to more severe health issues.
Sudipto Mukherjee, senior consultant in orthopaedics at Peerless Hospital, added that individuals with specific anatomical conditions—such as knock knees or flat feet—are particularly vulnerable to injuries, even when supervised. “For example, if a person weighing 110 kg suddenly starts a weight-loss program at the gym, performing 100 squats, they are likely to sustain an injury,” Mukherjee explained. “In addition to physical harm, there could be a psychological setback as well.”
Experts recommend that anyone starting a fitness program should seek guidance from qualified professionals to avoid injury and ensure exercises are appropriate for their body type and fitness level.
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