Strength training in now an integral part of the training program for competitive athletes. With the general population's interest in health and fitness and the growing number of personal trainers, however, strength training is becoming a part of the general fitness programs for all age groups of both sexes. As a result, strength training injuries are likely to become more common. Understanding the injury patterns associated with strength training will benefit team physicians and those caring for competitive athletes, and assist general practitioners and sports medicine specialists caring for the general population.

This article reviews the reported injuries associated with strength training, and discusses their treatment and preventive strategies that emphasize proper strength training techniques. The injury patterns are presented on an anatomic basis.