If you are on leave from your job because of a workplace injury, you may wonder if you can continue going to the gym. Not only is the answer yes, but doctors may recommend it.
Advantages of Going to the Gym While Receiving Workers’ Comp Benefits
Minnesota law contains no prohibition against going to the gym, working out, or doing outdoor exercise while receiving workers’ compensation benefits. In fact, your doctors and physical therapists actually may recommend that you go to the gym while you are healing from a workplace injury. Physical therapists often ask injured workers to do at-home exercises in between appointments, and the gym can be a great place to do so.
Further, going to the gym can help you stay in shape to make your return to work smoother. Especially if you have a physically active job, you may unintentionally exercise much less while injured and on leave. Going to the gym gets you out of the house and moving around.
Disadvantages of Going to the Gym While Receiving Workers’ Comp Benefits
Injured workers used to going to the gym while healthy can easily overdo it after injuries. You must take care not to reinjure yourself or suffer a new injury, which could slow your return to work. Instead, do low impact exercises, follow your physical therapy plan, or talk to your doctor about what to do at the gym.
If you have medical restrictions, you must follow them while working out. The insurance company could send a private investigator to conduct surveillance at the gym or while you exercise outside. Video of you violating restrictions would be a persuasive reason to deny benefits.
Injured workers who do not usually go to the gym or exercise outdoors should not start just because they are injured. Again, it is easy to overdo it and get injured. It also might seem suspicious if you suddenly start exercising a lot while you are on leave. Talk to your doctor and physical therapist about what level of activity is right for you as you heal.
Need help getting workers’ compensation for your injury? Joe Osterbauer, Esq. and the Osterbauer Law Firm stand up for injured Minnesota workers’ rights. Joe’s 27 years of workers’ compensation experience and his team’s speedy service combine to get clients the results they need. To schedule a free consultation, visit Osterbauer Law Firm online or call Joe’s office at (612) 334-3434.
