Lifting weights, whether you do it for fun, training for sports or for competition, can cause serious injury or even death. You can lift weights more safely by following these basic guidelines. Find a teacher. Find a teacher who can help you learn how to do the exercises correctly.
Good technique is one of the most important ways to avoid injury.
Some high-school coaches or athletic trainers can help you. If a college is located in your town, the weight coach for the varsity athletic teams may be able to give you advice or recommend another teacher. Advice from people who have never learned good technique themselves, such as parents, friends, coaches or other weight lifters, may not be correct. Books can help, but nothing beats personal coaching. With your teacher's help, decide on the goals of your weight-training program.