Austria reports surge in strength training injuries

A significant rise in strength training injuries has been reported in Austria, coinciding with a growing fitness boom. According to data from the KFV IDB Austria accident database, approximately 3,300 people required hospital treatment for strength training accidents in 2025.

Younger individuals are disproportionately affected, with 52 percent of those injured being between the ages of 15 and 29. The most common injuries include muscle and tendon damage, accounting for 44 percent of cases, followed by bone fractures at 41 percent. Frequently affected areas include the hands, feet, shoulders, and knees.

The increase in injuries follows a sharp rise in fitness participation. Membership in Austrian fitness and health facilities grew from roughly 1.13 million in 2022 to approximately 1.35 million in 2025, a 19 percent increase. Annual injuries have risen from an average of 2,000 between 2016 and 2019 to roughly 3,400 between 2022 and 2025, representing a 70 percent increase.

Common causes of these accidents include acute overload, improper movement technique, falls from equipment, and unsecured weights. Johanna Trauner-Karner of the KFV advises practitioners to prioritize proper technique and adequate recovery over simply lifting heavier weights.