The increased availability of in home fitness equipment, DVD’s and interactive fitness videos have enabled more and more people to choose home fitness as an inexpensive alternative to joining a gym or other fitness facility. This approach may be less expensive initially, but may be proving to be more costly in terms of safety.

Several studies are now reporting that in home fitness related injuries are steadily rising. For example, there are numerous on-line reports which state that some popular video game systems with personal training or fitness related games have been the cause of several different sports related injuries including tendonitis, tennis elbow, lower back pain and even carpal tunnel.

The rise in these injuries may be due to the fact that many in home fitness programs are designed for mass use and are therefore unable to cater specifically to each individual’s limitations, abilities, age and current level of fitness. The exercises can be overly repetitive with moves that are either too complex or performed too rapidly which may increase the possibility of muscle sprains, tendon and ligament strains and even tendonitis in shoulders, elbows, knees and wrists.]

Incorrect use of in home fitness equipment can also result in injuries. The most common causes of injury are improper form, using too much weight, performing repetitions at an uncontrolled pace and performing exercises in sequences that do not support adequate muscle recovery.
The disclaimers in the beginning of each exercise video or DVD, or in the fine print of in home fitness equipment manuals that advise consultation of a physician before embarking on any fitness program may not be enough to prevent injuries.

Consulting with a Certified Fitness Professional regarding your home fitness routine can dramatically reduce your risk of fitness related injuries. An experienced Certified Personal Trainer can help tailor your in home fitness routine by modifying and eliminating exercises that may not be appropriate for you. They can teach proper use of home fitness equipment with the correct form, resistance, speed and exercise sequence for safe and effective results.
Some gyms and personal trainers offer in home fitness programs that are designed specifically for each individual’s needs and involving the safe use of any equipment that they may have in their home. The most comprehensive types of these programs may be sold as a package that include a session or sessions which properly demonstrate all exercises and allows for the individual to ask any questions they may have regarding each exercise.

This small investment in safety is worth the money saved in doctor’s bills should an injury occur.