Andy Devaney
TikTok has a habit of turning just about anything into a worldwide phenomenon—dance routines, skincare hacks, and now, the so-called ‘locking in’ movement. The trend, already clocking up over half a million views, encourages people to shut themselves away from September through December, swapping pints and pub nights for self-improvement and sweat. But according to experts, it’s not all endorphins and enlightenment.
“Fitness trends can be a double-edged sword,” warns Ben Mounsey, athlete and Senior Marketing Executive at SportsShoes. “While on one hand it’s fantastic to see people encouraged to try new sports or workouts, for those diving into trends sporadically and increasing their training load too quickly there’s a real risk of becoming injured.”
And there’s the rub. As TikTok propels new ideas into the spotlight faster than you can lace up your trainers, the urge to sprint before you can jog has never been stronger—or riskier.
The Boom and the Bruises
The global wellness industry is ballooning, projected to hit a staggering $9 trillion by 2028. With that growth comes a swarm of fads, each promising the shortcut to a fitter, calmer, shinier you.
But the sports shoes experts warn that ‘locking in’ could be a fast track to the physio’s table, especially for newcomers to running or those dusting off their trainers after a long break.
Their 2025 Running Report paints a sobering picture: 70% of runners admit to suffering an injury, and one in five keep running through the pain. Pair that with research from the GARMIN-RUNSAFE Running Health Study, which shows beginners and those with low mileage or no structured programme are most at risk, and the viral challenge looks less like a reset and more like a red flag.
“As much as you might want to ‘lock-in’ after a slower summer, you must allow time for your body to adapt to increased levels of physical activity,” Mounsey adds. “Always remember to prioritise rest, as well as incorporating different methods of training into your running journey to build up strength and prevent injuries.”
When Injuries Put You on Ice
| Rank | Injury | Avg. Recovery (weeks) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Morton’s neuroma | 9.1 |
| 2 | Broken bones (legs and feet) | 9.0 |
| 3 | Achilles tendinopathy | 8.9 |
| 4 | Broken bones (other) | 8.6 |
| 5 | Stress fractures | 8.2 |
| 6 | Plantar fasciitis | 7.4 |
| 7 | Pulled groin | 7.3 |
| 8 | Lower back pain | 5.9 |
| 9 | Toenail damage | 5.9 |
| 10 | Runner’s knee | 5.8 |
| 11 | Hip flexor pain | 5.3 |
| 12 | Black toenails | 5.0 |
| 13 | Shin splints | 4.8 |
| 14 | Ankle sprain | 4.8 |
| 15 | IT band syndrome | 4.6 |
For anyone thinking a running injury means a few days of limping and then back to business, think again. According to the SportsShoes report, recovery can stretch from a few weeks to more than two months.
Morton’s neuroma leads the league table with an average 9.1 weeks out, followed closely by broken bones and Achilles tendinopathy. Even something as seemingly minor as shin splints will bench you for nearly five weeks.
Bouncing Back Without Breaking Down
If you do fall victim to the TikTok-fuelled rush, the SportsShoes team has laid out five essential rules for getting back on track:
- Rest and Gradual Return – Healing comes first. Don’t rush, don’t test it, and when you do get moving again, follow a structured comeback plan.
- Cross-Training – Swimming, cycling, or yoga can keep fitness ticking without wrecking recovery. Their report shows 24% of runners already swim, while others rotate spin, HIIT, or Pilates.
- Strength and Conditioning – Just 25% of runners do this regularly, but targeted lower-body training isn’t optional—it’s insurance. Squats, lunges, plyometrics, and calf raises should be weekly staples.
- Nutrition and Hydration – Protein, carbs, fats, and plenty of water. It’s basic science, but it makes or breaks recovery.
- Seek Professional Guidance – Don’t self-diagnose on TikTok. A sports physio or medic can save you months of guesswork.
The Final Word
The truth is simple: TikTok can inspire you to move, but it won’t strap your ankles or ice your shins when things go wrong. The message from SportsShoes is clear—pace yourself, train smart, and resist the urge to chase likes at the expense of your ligaments.
For more on training tips and recovery strategies, visit SportsShoes Running.
