THE BIGGEST CAUSES OF INJURY

The 2 biggest causes of injury are using poor form, and using too much weight. These things go hand in hand. 

This typically happens because bodybuilders do not learn to perform the exercise correctly and, even if they do, because in their pursuit for added muscle size they use heavier training poundages, they end up pushing it too much – using too much weight on an exercise – and sacrificing form. Both poor form on an exercise – viz-a-viz leaning too far forward on a squat – or using too much on any exercise – is going to cause injury.

In addition to the above you also have the following factors:

Not warming up is also another factor. Many times people forget that muscles are like rubber bands – very elastic when warm, and brittle when cold. Like an elastic band, when your muscles are cold and brittle, they tend to snap. By thinking of muscles in this way, you're more likely to perform a thorough warm up. Jumping on the bike doing some cardio (5-10 minutes on an exercise bike or elliptical machine before the workout) and getting your core temperature is important.

Not listening to your body is another big cause of injury.

Two other ones are: not focusing on the exercise. In other words, being distracted by something else going on in the gym or having your mind somewhere else. Your body and mind work together and you have to get your mind in the muscle and you have to stay focused.

And, finally, you have to have a good training partner. If you have a training partner who is distracted by a young lady doing the stairmaster and they're not there to spot you at your moment of failure – say on a bench press – you can really get into trouble.

Make sure that you follow these rules in order to have years of injury free training ahead of you. And for those of you who are in their thirties I would suggest considering to use a joint formula like ElastiJoint which is excellent for joint health.