Exercise injuries spike in January, according to recent survey

FLORIDA — If you’ve vowed to exercise more in 2026, it’s normally a great goal to take charge and get healthy. But health experts have issued a workout warning they hope many individuals heed.

“Exercising more” is the most common New Year’s resolution this year, according to a recent YouGov survey.

After the holidays, motivation tends to spike as we’re fresh off the new year, while conditioning is at all-time low.

A doctor with Orlando Health said social media often drives the rise in injuries.

“There’s one social media trend now with the kettlebell swing — 100, 30-day, 100 kettlebell swings a day for 30 days. You know, that kind of stuff will cause overuse injuries,” said Dr. Andrew Carbone, a sports medicine orthopedic surgeon at Orlando Health.

That can include tendonitis, especially in the biceps and rotator cuff in the shoulder.

Carbone said he also sees knee injuries this time of year, especially if a person suddenly takes up running.

To help avoid injuries, Carbone said to start slow — no more than three days a week — and incorporate rest into your regimen. He said that’s when your body starts to build muscle.

Avoid following social media trends and instead start with the basics like bodyweight exercises and core work.

Consider getting a trainer to help keep you on track, and he says to remember: start with higher reps and lower weights.