New Exercise Regimens Should Be Slow and Steady

GREAT NECK, NY – As people consider a New Year’s resolution to get more exercise, a New York physiatrist is offering some suggestions to help avoid injuries.

“There are a multitude of injuries that can occur when someone starts a new exercise program after the new year,” says Jason Lipetz, MD, director of spine rehabilitation medicine at the North Shore-LIJ Spine Center. “Some of them are overuse injuries; some are more acute and traumatic injuries, and that really depends on the type of activity or sport that the individual is participating in. Really, the key is to be smart about the exercise you choose. Start gradually. And if you’re unfamiliar with proper form in the exercise, get some assistance. That can take the form of a trainer in a gym, for example.”

For those trying to decide on what form of exercise they want to do in 2015, take into account level of fitness and age.

“For some older patients, it may be walking and graduating into speed walking, which is most appropriate,” Dr. Lipetz says. “For others who have run in the past, maybe jogging initially on a soft surface with proper footwear could be appropriate. For those people who are looking to get involved in a winter tennis or basketball league, that would require a better baseline level of fitness and familiarity with the sport in order to minimize the chance of injury.”

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