There was an article in the Washington Post on Dec. 22nd of 2016 centered on millennials, their workouts, and hip pain. The main thrust of the article was that there is a noticeable increase in incidents of hip pain- and related injuries I would assume too- in clinics in New York City (and I think we can assume other areas with high populations of millennials). While there are no definitive studies out, however, there is a correlation with injury rates and the increased interest in high-intensity activities such as CrossFit, Tough Mudders, and the like among this generation.

“A lot of millennials are doing all of these high-intensity exercises that are great for the mental and physical components of health, but if you’re not as conditioned as you think, you’re going to put excessive stress on the soft tissue and the joint,”

-Karena Wu, owner of ActiveCare Physical Therapy in NYC

To quote another doctor, Dr. Shane Nho, an orthopedist at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago:

“The types of workouts these guys [and gals] are doing.. They’re doing it at all costs, despite poor form, mechanics, fatigue or their actual baseline level of conditioning.”

Shocker. I personally think this is the function of a highly-competitive mindset coupled with a complete lack of self-assessment (or assessment performed by the facilities people train at, but I still think personal responsibility is lacking) and accepting the reality of one’s actual physical abilities.

I could delve into the vast amount of disinformation (and misinformation) about physical fitness and how it’s portrayed or the way that activities like the Spartan Race, CrossFit, and Tough Mudders are advertised- but again, people need to realize that they’re not as fit as they think they are. It seems that many people either a) are completely ignorant of proper human movement and/or most of their information comes from less-than-reputable sources or b) they don’t need any sort of assessment because they’re “fine.” This goes back to what my last post was about- foundations! When anyone, adult or child, jumps-literally- into demanding physical training without addressing movement and strength levels, injuries happen. As I said before, to be blunt, you’re weak and you move like garbage. This can only lead to poor outcomes.

The remedy? Seek out professionals who know what correct human movement looks like and how to build up strength safely and effectively. Shameless plug, but SAPT totally rocks this. If you’re not in our area, that’s cool, we can do distance training too. Even if you don’t call us, find someone who knows what they’re doing.

You’re not as strong as you think, you’re not as conditioned as you think, and you don’t move well. It’s ok, you’re not alone.

That’s why we, the coaches, do what we do. To help people MOVE better, GROW stronger, and CRUSH life.

Seriously, stop being a fool and find a professional.