Arm wrestling is often seen as a harmless way to test one’s physical strength against that of a peer. However, what many don’t realize is the potential danger this seemingly fun activity has for its participants.
Even though it’s quite fun to indulge in this activity with your friends or opponents, there are several disadvantages that can put your health at risk.
In this post, we are looking at the possible dangerous situations that one may face when arm wrestling followed by tips to avoid such circumstances.
Possible Dangerous Outcome of Arm Wrestling
Injuries sustained from arm wrestling range from strains to broken bones and can cause discomfort, disruption, and potential disability—sometimes even long after the initial event has ended.
Headaches, shoulder and elbow pain, and pinched nerves are just some of the common injuries related to arm wrestling. These can arise over time from repeated pressure and strain put on the arm and its muscles, leading to further issues down the line.
Furthermore, the intense concentration required often leads to intense emotion during the contest—things like adrenaline, anger, and competition that can be difficult to control and lead to inappropriate behavior during the event.
Competitors can also experience serious injuries should either one of them lose their balance or get into an arm break position during the contest. This can not only cause injuries such as bruises and fractures but can also cause damage to the surroundings if your arm is thrown in its direction. Those further away from the contest can also be injured, as errant throws and sudden movements can lead to broken objects and other debris entering their vicinity, leading to potential harm.
Another problem with arm wrestling is that it often encourages competitors to push their physical limits to extreme heights. While this might seem like a good thing, striving too hard could cause greater strain on the muscles which could lead to injury. Additionally, it could also result in holding back or total disregard for safety, leading to catastrophic outcomes for all involved.
Tips to Avoid Injuries
Competitions should also be conducted in a safe environment to ensure that the arm wrestling match does not get out of hand. This means setting up the area beforehand and making sure it is obstruction-free. Basic safety measures such as wearing protective clothing should also be followed by all participants in a bid to reduce the risk of personal injury.
Questions should also be asked before any arm wrestling match to determine if either one of the competitors has any existing health problems that could potentially be exacerbated if the match were to continue. This is especially important if the match involves individuals of older age, as such individuals might have weaker bones and more brittle muscles.
Finally, it is important to remember that arm wrestling is a form of physical activity, and should be treated as such. This means that it should be undertaken responsibly with all of the necessary safety precautions in place and that the participants should stop immediately should any dangers arise.
Getting Better without Any Harm
In terms of progressing the activity further, the first step should be to gain an understanding of the different arm wrestling techniques and strategies available, such as body positioning and hand grips.
This is in order to ensure safe and healthy competition for all involved and competitors should also start off slowly and practice safe arm wrestling until each competitor is comfortable with the basics. This is so that they can gain confidence and move on to more advanced techniques.
Another way of being mindful of safety is by having a goal and a plan before each arm wrestling match. This way, both competitors can set their expectations before the event and know what to expect should an injury occur. Additionally, it is necessary to have an emergency plan in place in the event of an accident or an injury occurring during the match.
It is important to have the right kind of equipment to practice arm wrestling like a proper arm wrestling table for minimizing injuries.
Squaring the shoulders and making sure to grab the gripping rod on both sides by that opponents will ensure proper form. Similarly, careful consideration should be paid to how they stand before and during the arm wrestling competition. This includes the use of leg and arm supports that would help keep the arm stable and reduce the risk of strain.
Additionally, the use of appropriate surfaces is also recommended for arm wrestling. It is best to choose a surface that is both flexible and secure so that the arm can hold its shape and the force of the competition can be absorbed without destabilizing the arm wrestler’s grip. The right surface can prevent possible injuries that may be caused by uneven terrain.
Warming Up is Essential
It is also important to warm up before an arm wrestling matches through stretching and light exercises that can help relax the arm muscles and prevent any potential strains from occurring. Furthermore, having a good posture whilst engaging in the arm wrestling match can also help reduce the risk of any injuries occurring.
Lastly, it is worth noting that arm wrestling as an activity does not necessarily have to be a one-on-one activity. It can also be done as part of a team competition, which not only strengthens team spirit but also allows competitors to practice safely and responsibly under the guidance of experienced and knowledgeable coaches.
In terms of developing the skill further, appropriate arm wrestling gear should be acquired for both practice and competitive matches. This includes items such as arm wrestling tables, straps, and even chairs, which can help to ensure a safe, secure, and comfortable playing environment.
Similarly, understanding the different kinds of arm wrestling techniques should be studied so that competitors can perfect their craft and safely go about pushing their boundaries.
Final Words
Arm wrestling is an activity that can be beneficial when performed mindfully and responsibly. With the correct techniques and resources available, competitors can turn this activity into a positive and enjoyable experience for everyone involved.
However, safety should always be a priority and caution should be taken to ensure that arm wrestling is practiced with the best of intentions.
