Injuries Can Deflate an Exercise Program
By Tom Herrin
It seems like there is some time in just about everyone's life when they decide it is time for them to begin an exercise program. For some, it ends right there and they become content with their thoughts about it. How sad is that? For so many others, they try to begin a program without a good concept of what is involved. If they haven't been physically active, they may not really know what is required to maintain such a program. One of the biggest mistakes they sometimes make is to jump in without a good enough plan to avoid injuries. Nothing can let the air out of excitement for something new like an injury. In many cases, it can end as fast as it begins.
Take It in Stride
Once people decide to start a new program, it is important for them to treat it right. That is, do the things that contribute to success. Too many people ignore the need for a good warm-up and a good cooldown. Both are vital parts of a good program. Warming up can allow blood to flow to all parts of the body. As such, it is available when needed. Blood supplies nutrients and oxygen to all of the tissues. A good warm-up also helps to allow the blood vessels to increase in size so that they can carry a greater amount of blood needed for the activity. The cooldown allows the heart rate to return to a nearer normal rate slowly rather than have an abrupt stop.
Check with Your Own Body
There are times in which people simply know that something just doesn't feel right. If that is the case, there is a good chance that it is true. People should never work out when they are feeling bad or run down. When they feel this way, it is better to have a much lighter workout or skip it completely. Exercising when something is wrong can set a person back for quite a while. Taking a break, or changing the pace, can actually help them to stay on pace to achieve their goals.
Use Instinct
Most of us have a lot more natural instinct about things than we may believe. If we begin at a slow enough pace, we can develop a feel for what it takes for us to do our best. I rely on this more and more as I get older. I have overdone it plenty of times before. I try to develop a better feel for what it takes for me to feel better about physical activity. If you are into self-improvement, it may work for you as well.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Covington, Ga.