“We live in a time when the words impossible and unsolvable are no longer part of the scientific community’s vocabulary. Each day we move closer to trials that will not just minimize the symptoms of disease and injury but eliminate them.” – Christopher Reeve
How to Prevent the Summer Time Blues, and Injuries; a Few Words of Caution.
Well it’s bathing suit time whether you’re ready or not. Dressing lighter and with fewer clothes can encourage people to hit the gym to tone up the soft spots. From previous articles you know I have always stressed the importance of doing things right. Take it from me I have made the mistakes already.
When I was in high school I did biceps curls with a straight bar. Now they recommend against this because it keeps your shoulder in a vulnerable position. The same with bench presses and pulldowns behind the neck. I never read the research on the proper techniques to safe lifting because I thought I knew it all at 15.
In college I was a prime example of someone using dreadful form. I used 62-pound dumbbells for curls and everything else. I was strong, but I was stupid and probably added to the shoulder injuries I feel now. Swinging my body and using momentum to accomplish the lift and actually getting less benefit from my hard work. Learn from my mistakes and lift wisely. It is better to know what you are doing than to injure yourself with inexperience.
Over the years I have seen hundreds of people working out incorrectly still. I never know if it is rude to try to tell them how to do something safely; or that they are going to hurt themselves over time. I constantly see people exhibit terrible form, attempt to lift too much weight and demonstrate inexperience at its worst.
Gyms have excellent trainers you can hire or ask questions to help you train safely. The internet is filled with examples and information that can help you as well. Some of it is sales stuff so be careful. There are dvds for sale that can coach you to a healthier you, but if you haven’t done exercise for years and plan on shocking your system with a ridiculously hard program, start working out slowly and ease into it.
I try different things like nerve conduction tests and metabolic pills to be able to tell my patients what they can expect. One morning at 4:30am I decided to try the test of the Insanity workout and thought I would die. Granted waking up a getting to that intensity first thing is difficult, but at 45 I think I’ll just walk, sprint and lift smart. I have had a slew of patients injure themselves after starting programs like Taebo and P90X. They are elite programs so talk to your doctor first and then use common sense as you tone up.
So as you head off to your workout, lighten up the weights, squeeze your muscles a little tighter, feel the burn and slowly lower the weight. Your body will thank you.
THAT’S GONNA LEAVE A MARK
Hey, who doesn’t like to go to an amusement park? I love the roller coasters. Spending some quality time outdoors getting the crap scared out of me on a ride and eating food I typically don’t consume on a regular basis is a great way to pass time together with family and friends. It’s okay to take a break and indulge a little. I tried a deep-fried Oreo once. It was nothing great but I wanted to feel what 500 calories felt like as it slid toward my stomach.
Anyway, some of the activities at the park, although enjoyable, may wreak havoc on our spines today and our posture later. I’m not going to ruin all of your fun I just want to mention a few of the nastiest ones to help keep your family trip pleasurable and uneventful. I want you to come home in one piece without any new aches or pains.
A few years ago I was at Universal Studios for my first time and was ecstatic about some of the rides. They are awesome and I
