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Boomers:
Tips on how to exercise safely
Newswise — As the weather gets warmer,
people often get motivated to spend more
time outdoors.
Whether it’s working on projects around the
house, playing with the grandkids at the
park or out exercising, it’s important that
baby boomers remember their bodies are not
as young as they used to be and not overdo
it.
In 2007, more than 149,000 people between
the ages of 45 and 64 were treated in
emergency rooms, clinics and doctors’
offices for injuries related to exercise and
exercise equipment, according to the U.S.
Consumer Products Safety Commission.
“When you are 50, you may injure your body
more easily than when you were 20,” says
James Keeney, MD, an orthopaedic surgeon and
member of the American Academy of
Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) Leadership
Fellows Program.
“Joints, tissues and muscles may not be as
flexible as they used to be. So as you get
older, you need to take extra steps to
protect yourself from injuries when you
exercise.”
The AAOS offers the following tips to help
boomers prevent exercise-related injuries:
* Check with your doctor before beginning
any exercise program. A physician will make
sure your heart is in good condition and can
make recommendations based on your current
fitness level. This is especially important
if you’ve had a previous injury.
* Always warm up and stretch before
exercising. Cold muscles are more likely to
get injured, so warm up with some light
exercise for at least three to five minutes.
* Avoid being a “weekend warrior.” Moderate
exercise every day is healthier and less
likely to result in injury than heavy
activity only on weekends.
* Don’t be afraid to take lessons. An
instructor can help ensure you’re using the
proper form, which can prevent overuse
injuries such as tendonitis and stress
fractures.
* Develop a balanced fitness program.
Incorporate cardio, strength training and
flexibility training to get a total body
workout and prevent overuse injuries. Also,
make sure to introduce new exercises
gradually, so you don’t take on too much at
once.
* Take calcium and Vitamin D supplements
daily.
* Listen to your body. As you age, you may
not be able to do some of the activities
that you did years ago. Pay attention to
your body’s needs and abilities, and modify
your workout accordingly.
* Remember to rest. Schedule regular days
off from exercise and rest when tired.
Baby boomers who exercise regularly are less
likely to experience depression, weight
gain, diabetes, high blood pressure and
sleep disturbances, so it’s important to
incorporate physical activity into your
routine at any age.
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