5 Workouts That Could Be Hurting Your Joints

5 Workouts That Could Be Hurting Your Joints. When we hear the term workouts, we automatically think that they will be beneficial for our health. However, some workouts could do harm to our joints if performed incorrectly or overused. There are even some exercises that may cause damage to your joints without you even realizing it, as these symptoms sometimes only appear after years of abuse on your body.

Here is a list of 5 workouts that could be damaging your joints.

The Excessive Use of the Weighted Barbell Squat

The weighted barbell squat is a very effective exercise to strengthen the quadriceps. This workout stimulates your central nervous system and releases hormones that help in muscle hypertrophy. However, this movement could be potentially damaging if not performed correctly.

If you do not have sufficient ankle and hip flexibility, or strength, you may end up overexerting yourself, which could cause damage to your joints that could lead to injuries.

The Overuse of the Elliptical Machine

Although the elliptical machine is a great exercise method, it should not be overused. If you spend too much time on this workout, your joints will begin to break down. You should change workouts every so often so that you do not overexert yourself and risk injuring your knee, hip, or ankle joints.

The Overuse of the Stationary Bike

Like the elliptical machine, the stationary bike is a very good workout. However, if you spend too much time on this workout without taking any rest days in between, your joints will begin to break down and increase your chances of injury. Switching up workouts every so often will allow your body to rest and prevent it from over-exertion, which may lead to damage or injury.

The Extended Use of Free Weights

Free weights are effective tools that can be used during strength training exercises, but they should not be overused either. Since there is more free range of motion, the chances of injuring your joints are greater.  Free weights are also more difficult to control than machines.

The Overuse of Weight Machines

Weight machines are very effective tools for strength training and give your body a chance to exercise in a controlled environment that is safer for your joints. However, if you spend too much time on these workouts, they could potentially cause damage as well due to the extended range of motion that is required during this workout.

Remember to Switch Up Workouts and Stay Flexible

A good way to determine whether or not a certain workout is good for you or bad for you would be to look at how flexible and strong your ankles, knees, and hips are to see if they can take the stress and pressure put on them by each particular machine. If you feel little pain during these exercises but afterward experience a lot of pain, try to avoid those workouts.

This switching up of exercises is one of the most important things you can do. It will allow your body adequate time to rest and recover from other exercises rather than overusing one. This prevents injuries and puts less strain on your joints which could help prevent any potential damage.