Date:30/06/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/06/30/stories/2006063017820200.htm

Karnataka - Bangalore

Take it easy for the first few days at the gym

Special Correspondent

Immobilising yourself will make the muscles tighter and may prolong the pain

Minor muscle injuries can be treated with a painkiller sprays
Hot fomentation or in use of ice packs can reduce inflammation and swelling

Giving rest to the injured part will help in natural healing

Bangalore: If you are glued to the television to watch the FIFA World Cup, you would have seen how frequently football players get injured.

First-time entrants to gyms and health clubs too face the risk of injuries in their initial days of working out.

"Although we advise them to take it easy at first, some try to lift heavy weights or exercise without proper warming up... muscle spasms and an occasional torn ligament are the result,'' says Bijou John, trainer at a gym in Indiranagar.

"Minor muscle injuries can be treated with a painkiller spray and may rarely need medication. Hot fomentation or use of ice packs can reduce inflammation and swelling. Giving rest to the injured part will help in natural healing," he adds.

Trainers say that one injury should not stop one from exercising. While taking it a bit easy for a day or two, you should stay active enough to keep the strained muscles from getting too stiff.