More than a quarter of Brits injure themselves emulating Olympics and Paralympics heroes after watching on TV

MORE than a fifth of Brits have injured themselves trying to emulate sporting pros they’ve seen on TV.

Off the back of the Olympics and Paralympics, research of 2,000 adults found 50 per cent have been inspired by the efforts of top-level athletes like Andy Murray, Adam Peaty, Keely Hodgkinson and others.

EPA

Great Britain’s Olympic and Paralympic stars like Andy Murray have inspired around 50 per cent of Brits to get into sport[/caption]

Alamy

But research shows that at least a quarter injure themselves by trying to copy the likes of Keely Hodgkinson[/caption]

Dan Kennedy

Three-time Team GB Olympian Sarah Lindsay has teamed up with AXA Health to tell you how to avoid and manage injuries[/caption]

But 28 per cent of those polled admit they went “too hard, too soon” and ended up with injuries ranging from shin splints to tennis elbow.

Nearly a third (30 per cent) confess they rarely or never warm up before exercise and have been left struggling for days after a tough session.

Sarah Lindsay, the three-times Team GB Olympian, personal trainer and founder of ROAR Fitness, has teamed up with AXA Health to offer advice on how to reduce the chance of injury when starting a new workout plan.

She said: “Before beginning a sport, it’s important that you assess your body for any imbalances, stiffness or weaknesses you have to help avoid injury when training.

“Warming up is so important, as well as making sure you eat the right foods to fuel you and stay hydrated so you can perform to the best of your ability.

“And lastly, there’s nothing like getting quality sleep to allow your body to recover and repair.

“All these simple tips add up to mean you are raring to go again for your next session and can perform to the best of your ability.”

The research found only 15 per cent of adults consider themselves “very healthy”, with a further 17 per cent either somewhat or very unhealthy.

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The top reasons people exercise are to improve their physical health (52 per cent), manage their weight (40 per cent) or reduce stress (34 per cent).

Other issues people have had after taking on too much too soon include muscle cramps (21 per cent) or back strains (14 per cent).

These are most likely to happen after playing football, tennis or cycling – although six per cent have injured themselves in the swimming pool.

But nearly a tenth (nine per cent) have ended up with a broken bone as a result of overdoing a new exercise routine.

After watching sport this summer, as many as 19 per cent have returned to a sport they’d previously participated in.

And seven in 10 reckon events like the Olympics and Paralympics have a positive impact on inspiring people to try something new, according to the OnePoll.com figures.

Dr John Burke, chief medical officer at AXA Health added: “Starting a new exercise routine or taking up a new activity is an exciting and important step towards a healthier lifestyle.

“But it’s crucial to remember that slow and steady progress is the key to long-term success.

“Our bodies need time to adapt to new physical demands, and rushing into intense workouts can lead to injury, burnout, or even setbacks.

“By taking a gradual approach, you’re more likely to enjoy the process, stay motivated, and achieve your fitness goals in a sustainable and injury-free way.”