Think Exercise Safety

Since the late 60's, the exercise craze has been in full swing now for nearly 50 years. It has just been in the past 5 years that we have learned how important exercise safety really is to your health and quality of life.

Because of the "Graying of America," countless hours of research have been spent trying to determine the best exercises for a particular age group. Until recently there was no clear understanding that exercise programs should be different for diverse age groups.

But now we know that premise is not true. Age does have a significant impact on the appropriateness of an exercise program just not for the reasons you might think.

It is not specifically your age but the accumulation of various health conditions and medications that dictates the type, style and intensity of your exercise program.

So before you start an exercise program or if you already participate in one, please consider these exercise safety suggestions to help improve the quality and effectiveness of your regimen.

#1 Obey the Fitness Ladder
Make sure to start your exercise program at an appropriate level. More often than not people try to start an exercise program that is either too difficult or is more advanced than they can handle. The usual result is a sidelining injury. Prepare your body by starting with the basics and building up.

#2 Eliminate Seated Exercises
The seated position is one of the most dangerous positions for your back. Sara Meeks says that sitting "is the position of most compression for your spine and should be avoided at all cost." The better option is to primarily stand for most exercises. Standing not only makes your exercises more appropriate for Activities of Daily Living but helps improve your muscular strength,  balance, coordination and core strengthening all at the same time.  

#3 Avoid Risky Exercise Moves
There are three exercise movements that are best avoided by all, but especially by fitness beginners. The three movements I am referring to are forward bending (especially toe touches and sit-ups/crunches), side bending and spinal rotation. These three motions have been shown to cause spinal compression fractures and disc and muscle damage.

Click Here to learn more ways to keep your exercise program both safe and effective.