However, like other fitness trends, strength training comes with its own set of injuries. ACC data – and numerous interviews with physiotherapists and osteopaths – show that Towes is not alone in her shoulder injury. It’s the second most common gym or weight-lifting injury behind lower back injuries. In 2015, ACC reported about 24,000 shoulder and lower back injuries in either a gym, fitness training or from weightlifting in males and females. That number grew to almost 33,000 in 2024.
