Originally published October 14 2005
Exercise machines one of the major causes of injury in the U.S.
by Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, NaturalNews Editor
According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, 183,722 injuries are attributed to fitness machines each year, representing the sixth-largest cause of frequent injury in the U.S.
In the United States, 183,722 injuries are sustained each year due to fitness and exercise machines, representing the sixth-largest cause of frequent injury in the nation, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission.
Seventy percent of those injuries occur in the 15-24 age group, which is the predominant group using the Stan Sheriff Center Fitness Center at the University of Hawai'i at Manoa.
Lloyd Hisaka, assistant director of intramurals at UHM, says measures are in place at UHM's fitness center for students' safety.
Hisaka can only recall a handful of reported injuries sustained at the fitness center during the past four years as assistant director, many he attributes to human error rather than mechanical malfunctions.
The operations in place at the fitness center create an atmosphere where the students and employees feel secure.
There are always at least two trained employees at the front desk ready and willing to assist gym users upon request.
This preserves the protective padding on the equipment for safety purposes, which accumulates heavy wear and tear through frequent use.
If any malfunction in a fitness machine threatens the safety of the gym users, the staff makes a report for repairs and posts a caution sign to prevent students from using the malfunctioning machine.
Millions of Americans buy fitness equipment every year for the convenience and privacy they offer in their own home.
However, not knowing how to use the equipment properly, combined with using it alone, actually increases the possibility for injury.
Going to a gym or UHM's fitness center offers the safest outlet for physical activity involving fitness machines.
"We provide a wholesome and safe environment that if the rules we set are firmly followed, then everyone's safety will be assured," Hisaka said.
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