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Working Out at the Gym? Japan's Consumer Agency Warns About These Injuries

Misusing treadmills, training past your limit — Japan's Consumer Affairs Agency just listed real gym injury cases.

Working Out at the Gym? Japan's Consumer Agency Warns About These Injuries
  • Japan's Consumer Affairs Agency logged several gym injuries: falling off treadmills, hitting heads during video-led classes, and joint pain from overexertion.
  • Before using equipment, ask staff how to use it correctly and check that the machine isn't broken, especially its emergency stop button.
  • Train according to your own fitness level — a heavier load isn't automatically more effective, and anyone with an existing condition should ask a doctor first.

Real injuries that happened

Japan's Consumer Affairs Agency has received numerous reports of accidents at training facilities.

One person couldn't keep up with the treadmill's speed, fell, and hit their leg on the machine.

There was also a case at a staffless, self-service gym where someone didn't know how to use the equipment and hit their arm on a walking machine.

In a machine Pilates class following a video, someone lost their balance, hit their head on the machine, and got injured.

Things to check before you train

Before you start using training equipment, ask staff how to use it correctly or carefully read the instructions.

For motorized equipment like walking machines, check beforehand whether there's an emergency stop button for when you're about to fall.

Train within your limits

Putting too much strain on your body relative to your fitness level can lead to injury.

Heavier loads don't necessarily mean better results — starting with a manageable load helps you keep training longer.

People with pre-existing conditions should consult their regular doctor before starting training.

Words in this article

事故じこ
accident
負荷ふか
load, strain
機器きき
equipment, machine
緊急停止きんきゅうていし
emergency stop
持病じびょう
pre-existing condition
説明書せつめいしょ
instruction manual

Notes

This article was checked on October 6, 2026.

Rules can differ between facilities, so also check with staff at your own gym for the correct way to use equipment.

Source: 消費者庁 (2 Oct 2026)