Moderating Exercise

The "no pain, no gain" phrase is oft repeated. It assumes that we all have to exercise until something hurts. That may be true at times but there are plenty of times when all we're doing is damaging otherwise healthy body parts.

Why Moderate? Let's be absurd for a moment. Would you expect someone in a wheelchair to run a marathon? Obviously they can't though exercise is still required. What we can expect our bodies to do is one reason for moderation. If you've trained for the marathon, fine. If you haven't, wheelchair or not, you might hurt yourself.

Who to Talk to: There are several people to consult when it comes to physical activity. The first is your doctor. The doctor will check for issues that might become worse if the wrong activities are chosen. This will include heart disease, joint problems such as arthritis and breathing issues to name a few.

After your doctor you should consult a physical trainer, especially if the activity you want to take up is specialized. The trainer can watch for signs that you've done enough for that day and let you know when to stop so as to prevent injury.

Make a Plan: For over all health exercise should work as many muscle groups as possible. They shouldn't all be worked on the same day. A trainer will help set up a schedule so that you do different groups on different days.

Some trainers may require you to work out four or more days a week. Make sure to clear this with the doctor as well as any exercises that might be problematic.

As an example I had a trainer who wanted me to do deep knee bends and knee thrusts. He could not understand the searing pain this caused until the doctor told him (he didn't believe me) about the knee injury.

Learn Proper Procedures: This is another reason the first few sessions should be with a trainer. Even running has a proper way to do it and quite a few improper ways. Have the trainer show you how to do each exercise or use each piece of equipment. Have the trainer watch you as you do it so corrections can be made before injuries happen.

My favorite phrase when it comes to exercise is "all things in moderation." Each of us has a different level of ability and while we may reach for a higher level we need to prepare for it at our own pace.


http://www.amazon.com/Mary-Bodel/e/B009IUK3KA

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mary_Bodel