Don't Work Yourself Into An Accident
If you are a quest to get in shape, then you already realize how important it is to get healthy. Going to a gym may be the best route for some who needs the motivation that working out with others bring. You can use the gym for healthy pursuits and gain fitness, but you might also end up annoying others and getting hurt. Read on to learn how to be a good gym patron and avoid the worst that might happen when working out.
General courtesy and safety tips
1. Don't overuse and overdo: Experts say that you need about 30 minutes of cardio a few times a week, so monopolizing the bike or elliptical for more than that is rude. Be courteous, and let someone else use the cardio equipment, you can always use some weight machines or lift free-weights and come back for more later.
2. Keep it clean: Pay attention to not just the evidence of your own hard work, but the sweat left behind by others, and use the anti-bacterial wipes, towels, and gels provided in most gyms now. Germs and virus left behind can make you more than just grossed out, they can make you sick.
3. Music yes, phone no: That smartphone has many uses now and talking is just one of them. They present a convenient way to listen to tunes while working out, as long you don't forget to use the earphones. When it comes to chatting away while you also pump iron, you should reconsider. While not all gyms have rules about talking on the phone while working out, you would be doing yourself a favor by concentrating on your workout and catching up with friends later.
Take action when you get injured
When it comes to getting hurt while working out, the course of action you take depends on the circumstances behind the accident. When you joined the gym, you probably signed a disclaimer that was meant to let the gym off the hook for accidents that happened on the premises. If it was a total release of liability, however, those waivers are far too overreaching to be enforceable.
If your accident was the result of negligence on the part of the gym, you can still bring a suit for damages, regardless of the waiver you signed. Signing a piece of paper doesn't give the gym a get-out-of-jail-free card when they are at fault for your damages. Here are just a few problems that can occur in gyms and that are grounds for a lawsuit:
1. Poorly sanitized pools and hot tubs
2. Poorly maintained equipment
3. Unsafe slip and fall hazards
Speak to an personal injury attorney, like a car accident attorney, and have your case evaluated if you tried to work out but got hurt instead.