Don’t say we didn’t warn ya…

Injury is a part of the game in almost any physical endeavor. Sure some people go through their life fairly unscathed, but a vast majority of us fitness freaks go through a major setback and some point in our careers. Besides major setbacks they’re those niggling injuries that seem to take decades to subside. The truth is you can spend your whole life playing pro sports and then tear your ACL walking down the street. Life just goes like that. However, there’s no smoke without fire, and in most cases there are signs that lead up to the big break. Here are the 5 signs that you’re in for a big fall, and you’re about to get an injury.

Sign #1 You’re shortening your range of motion on big lifts

We know you crossfitters out there aren’t going to agree as form means nothing to you. But for the rest of us level headed individuals, you want to try and do the exercise properly. If you can only do half reps, the weight’s probably too heavy for you (Yes, the bane of every man’s existence). Try adjusting the weight to a level where you can do the full range of motion.

Sign #2 You can’t walk straight

One of the essential movements in life, is the ability to walk. If your gait is significantly altered or you feel recurring pain when trying to walk  then you might want to change up your workout. Most likely your spine is out of whack, or you have serious knee issues, either way you need to take a serious look at what you’re doing in the gym.

Sign #3 Guts and glory training

While the Rocky series was definitely entertaining, and I can’t say I still don’t run up those stairs on every trip to Philadelphia, guts and glory training should be taken in moderation. Beating the crap out of your muscles in a “harder” “faster” routine definitely works, but after a while it starts to wear and tear on your body. Use smart progressive training, and track your progress. Pushing through a workout your body can’t handle will only get you injured.

Sign #4 You have to wrap yourself like a mummy

If you have to wrap yourself like Brendan Fraser and Rocky via Johnson were starring in a movie with you, then there might be rough waters ahead. Nothing is more saddening than seeing a lifter with a wrap, sleeve, or brace to hold together every body part that their weak ligaments can’t handle. Change it up, or bare the same fate.

Sign #5 You’re not sleeping properly

Maybe you’re sleeping like a dead man and then waking up in the middle of the night and not getting back to sleep, or if you wake up feeling like you’ve been hit like a mack truck, if you’re not getting restful sleep at night, you’re probably overtraining. Not sleeping is a hotbed for injury.

Sign #6 You feel sluggish and irritable

If you have to will yourself to get out of bed every workout, if your muscles are soft and you always feel hazy or sluggish, you’re cruizin for a broozin. Irritability and general fatigue is a sign that your body is stressed out and your next big workout could be the straw that breaks the camel’s back. Whether in the ER or in your nice warm bed, the body will take it’s rest one way or another. Think you have an injury pending? Let us know by hitting up our comments below or head on over to our official Facebook and Twitter.