There’s no room for smugness, as it’s not just strength newbies who are at risk: even seasoned lifters aren’t immune to poor form. “For people that train a lot, you get into some bad habits and they can become ingrained,” Lindsay states. “Then their chances of repeating poor movement patterns and causing a long-term issue is more likely.”

Prynn notes that rounded backs are one of the biggest mistakes she sees when it comes to incorrect style. “It’s either a slump of the shoulders, so rounding the upper part of your back, or overarch and overextension,” she says; and research concurs that upper and lower trunk injuries are two of the most common (although this understandably varies according to the type of lifting).

So how can you keep yourself in check, especially if there’s nobody around to monitor you or share advice?

Look in a mirror

This is perhaps the most obvious approach, as we all have one and any free-standing mirror can be maneuvered to where you need it. However, depending on the move you’re performing, it can pose a few challenges. “Facing the mirror, you can’t see straight-on if your back is flat or not,” Lindsay states. “And if you turn sideways to the mirror, if you’re going to squat or deadlift, to look…you have to turn your head. Then your spine isn’t neutral and that’s not ideal, either.”

For moves that aren’t so mirror-friendly, panic not: instead, you can…

5 tips for reducing your risk of injury when you’re new to strength training