At home workout injuries

HASTINGS, Neb. (KSNB) - When gyms shut down because of the coronavirus pandemic, many of us had to seek a new form of exercise.

The change in routine has sparked a rise in so-called pandemic injuries. When the pandemic closed her dance studio, Krita Ellensohn turned to the garage in her condo building, “I just wanted to keep training, I wanted to try to stay active,” said Ellensohn.

But while the professional dancer was recording a dance video in April something bad happened, “I could feel a pop. It actually popped twice.” Ellensohn tore her ACL and hasn’t danced since. “I don’t typically dance on concrete surfaces,” she said.

As gyms and fitness studios shut down, many were forced to change up their exercise routines.

Dr. Kathy Weber, A Sports Medicine Physician said, “When you change the intensity the activity that you’re doing, especially an impact type of activity, you’re at risk of developing a stress fracture.”

Whether it’s running, biking, even walking, Dr. Weber says you need to ease into a new exercise routine.

“We never want to increase time and intensity at the same time because it’s two elements that potentially could put you at risk of developing an injury,” said Weber.

Dr. Weber also recommends trying a variety of exercises, including strength training, and be mindful of your environment.

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