Ever wondered why so many people who use the gym have facial incongruities?

According to The Journal of Craniofacial Surgery, there has been a 32.7% increase in exercise and weightlifting related head and facial injuries over the past decade.

Shockingly, adolescents aged 15-19 have the highest rate of craniofacial injuries at 9.9%. While most injuries occurred in men, the incidence rate in women increased at nearly twice the rate as in men.

Head injuries were the most common type of injury (45%), followed by injuries to the face (26%) and neck (21%). With the rise in gym memberships, it is important to stay safe and aware while working out. Stay mindful of your form and don’t hesitate to seek guidance from a professional. Safety first! Or if you’re like me – JUST DON’T GO TO THE GYM!

All joking aside these figures are concerning in particular the figures around young men of school age. What do you think is the cause of this increase in facial injuries? Is it as simple as the increased usage of gyms or is it that alongside poor education in how to use the equipment in gyms and technique?

Here’s the original paper if you’d like to read it: https://journals.lww.com/jcraniofacialsurgery/fulltext/9900/epidemiology_of_craniofacial_injuries_from.1317.aspx

Image is ‘Lift’ by papà caos 2024