There is a certain degree of irony in the fact that a trip to the gym, intended to improve your health, could be the source of many common injuries. Unfortunately, most people who sign up at gyms have no idea how to avoid injuring themselves while doing common exercises. This guide will help you recognize, treat and hopefully avoid the most widespread injuries at the gym

Muscles Strains or Tears result from Excessive stress -

Strains and tears occur when you demand too much from a muscle, especially if you do so in an unusual position. This injury is classified in three levels. A level one strain is very mild in nature and involves over stretching the muscle which leads to minor pain and swelling. Level two strains occur when there is a partial tear of the muscle tissue. It is considerably more painful and will require more healing time. A level three tear involves the complete tearing of a muscle; this is a very serious situation.

Standard treatment for all levels of strain involves rest and icing as well as anti-inflammatory medications. Physical therapy, massage and physiotherapy are often included in a care plan. Prevention requires some diligence on the part of the athlete. Warmed muscles don't tear as easily so take some time to warm up before you start lifting or exercising actively.

-"itis" Injuries Involve Inflammation in Various Tissues -

Whether you have a diagnosis of bursitis or tendonitis the underlying cause is identical. The medical term - "itis" defines an inflammation of tissue. Bursitis - inflammation of the bursa. Tendonitis - inflammation of the tendon.

A bursa is a fluid filled sac that lies between soft tissue structures, like a tendon, and a bone. They reduce the amount of friction that occurs during movement. When you engage in a repetitive movement, such as long distance running or high repetition lifting, the bursas are subjected to a lot of rubbing and they can get inflamed, causing discomfort. The best way to avoid this injury is to vary your workout all the time.

Tendonitis is an inflammation in the tendon. Tendons hold muscles to bones. The most common forms of tendonitis such as tennis elbow and golfers elbow, involve the tendons of the wrist flexors where they attach to the upper arm. Any tendon can get inflamed and treatment usually involves rest, icing, anti-inflammatory medication, and in severe cases, injections of corticosteroids to reduce inflammation.

Any inflammatory process can take a while to heal and may require a change in exercise patterns and duration.

Ways to Reduce your Likelihood of Gym Related Injuries -

It can be difficult to schedule gym time when you have a busy day and the inclination to get there and start working out immediately is strong. Your muscles will thank you if you don't jump right into your work out. Take some time to warm up with a few minutes on a treadmill at a low intensity and then stretch a bit. The 5 or 10 minutes you take now may prevent weeks out of the gym later.