ATTENTION GYM-GOERS AND ATHLETES: GRADUALLY EASE INTO EXERCISE POST-CORONAVIRUS AS ADVISED BY PHYSIOS

A week ago, there was an interesting news article via ABC News regarding physiotherapists warning gym-goers to gradually ease into exercise post-coronavirus. Experts are also predicting a rise in soft tissue injuries as Australians return to sport post coronavirus lockdown. This is relevant information as recently, I am seeing a significant increase in patient presentations associated with return to sport and return to gym/exercise injuries. Popular clinical diagnoses at my clinic have included sciatica, lower back pain, nerve impingement, lateral ankle sprains, shin splints, patella tendinitis, subacromial burisitis, rotator cuff tendinitis, tennis and golfer's elbow. This has not been a surprise as individuals who have been very active during social restrictions and lock down would experiencing muscular de-conditioning, reduced neuromuscular control and a loss in mobility. Soft tissues such as ligaments and tendons generally get weaker when there is inconsistent physical loading on them too. 

Here are 6 key tips on how to get back into sport or gym workouts reducing the risk of injury
These include:
1. Slowly and gradually return to pre-coronavirus levels of exercise
2. Spend more time warming up by rehearsing exercise routines with significant less resistance or intensity (30% is the general guidelines for this)
3. It will likely take about 4-6 weeks before your body will get back to pre-coronavirus levels of performance if you consistently train
4. Watch your posture and technique more carefully using a mirror, physiotherapist or coach for feedback before you progress with higher levels of difficulty 
5. Spend time time in between exercise sessions or workouts recovering or resting than you would usually 
6. Do not feel like you need to urgently make up for lost time and leave the pride at the door