Exercising Without Injuries
Exercise is one of the foremost more important things we can do in our lives which helps to keep us healthy, happy, and trim. Exercise injuries and fear of them can keep us from practicing a good exercise regimen. Getting an ample amount of exercise is an important part of achieving and maintaining our health.
However, when the boomers, myself included, take up an exercise program, we must keep
in mind some restraint due to our age. Do not go to extremes and try to do too much too fast, even if you are using home exercise equipment (be sure to see our reviews), you can still be injured if you practice incorrectly.
Apparently, in our enthusiasm to attain or maintain the body of our youth, some of us boomers are overdoing it. Sports related injuries among boomers are the second
most common reason for visits to the doctors.These injuries have increased 33 percent between 1991 and 1998 for this age group.
There are ways to take on and maintain an exercise regime without injuring ourselves. If you have not been exercising, take on your routine slowly and gradually increase your workout. Warm up with stretching exercises before your workout and cool down after your workout the same way.
There is a lot of denial that our bodies have changed and that we are in our fifties. I know,
in my mind, I think my body can do the same activity level as when I was 21. Realize that you should not exercise to the point of pain.
The adage of “no pain, no gain” no longer holds true. Cross training, in which you do a variety of activities for your exercise routine or on your home exercise equipment, is the smartest way to stay fit and minimize the risk of injuries.
If you are a boomer and like to lift weights for exercise, just lift a lighter load and do more reps. If we use common sense, we (the boomers), can stay as fit and active as possible for as long as possible while minimizing sprains, strains and other injuries.
