Getting active for 2026? Don’t overdo it, experts warn

They call it the fitness frenzy fallout when millions of people jump into intense workout routines at the beginning of the year, only to experience harmful effects.

Dr. Andrew Carbone, an orthopedic surgeon at Orlando Health, says that social media trends are a reason for this problem.

Many people who have never worked out, or have not in a long time, rush to meet these goals and end up hurting themselves. He also says that it is important to not push through pain when you are working out.

It is normal to be sore the day or two after, but if you are feeling pain in the moment, it is time to take a break.

“Start slower than you think you want to. Incorporate rest into your workout regimen. Let yourself build naturally. Don’t come out hot with a lot of motivation six days a week and then burnout. It is better to start two days a week and change your life gradually,” said Dr. Carbone.

Dr. Carbone says that they commonly see a lot of knee and lower back injuries this time of year.

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