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Gym time is about building up not breaking down

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Colin Cates
  • 379th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
AL UDEID AIR BASE, Qatar- --  Many Service members arrive at the Grand Slam Wing with both professional and personal goals.

Professional goals are of course to contribute to the mission success, and personally often have to do with improving their physical condition.

Having a desire to improve one's overall fitness is great because years of research have shown that good health increases productivity and greater resilience are linked to physical fitness. However, obtaining these personal goals of getting fit comes with an inherent risk of injury.

"In the past five months, I have seen a substantial increase in workout-related injuries, particularly with weightlifting," said Maj. Adam Fritz, 379th Expeditionary Medical Group physician assistant. "Some of the most common ailments are: back pain from muscle strains, spasms due to over lifting or poor form, wrist and elbow pain from tendonitis, and even several pectoral tears requiring surgery to repair."

There are some sports that have natural risk when playing, but studies have shown that weightlifting injuries are mostly preventable.
Fritz shares some helpful tips to think about while working out.

"Leave your ego at the door, it does not matter how much your partner is lifting. The things that are of importance are patience, form, and hydration. Dehydration leads to quicker exhaustion of muscles and leads to injuries quicker."

Another important part of preventing injuries is having a balanced workout program that also includes rest days.

"Work both your upper and lower body, more weight up top without balanced training below will lead to leg and back injuries later," said Fritz. "Along with balance, resting, and having active recovery days are equally important. Your body will be better recovered to have a more enduring workout schedule and reduce the risk of recurring injuries."

"The Air Force has made a huge investment into each Airman, and it is 100 percent 'their' responsibility to understand their health along with proper fitness form while in the in the gym," said Fritz.