Keep Weight Training Injury-Free
Don't Be a Dumbbell
As we age, all of us are likely to experience some degeneration in the joints, he notes. That doesn't mean we should stop exercising.
"Exercise actually is protective, but like anything else, too much isn't good," he says. "Start with light weights, use limited arcs that don't cause any pain, do a number of repetitions that doesn't cause any difficulty, and increase the exercise level slowly. You do want to take the muscle to fatigue; you don't want to go over the edge of the cliff."
If you run into any training-related problems, consult a specialist in the musculoskeletal system, Varlotta says. Ideally, look for a physiatrist or rehabilitation specialist with an interest in sports medicine. If none is available, look for an orthopaedist. A rheumatologist can also be helpful, particularly for tendinitis and arthritic problems.
"If you have some disposable income, consider working with an athletic trainer, so you can learn how to do the exercises in the right way and at the right level," he recommends.
Keep Weight Training Injury-Free
Don't Be a Dumbbell
Start Slowly continued...
As we age, all of us are likely to experience some degeneration in the joints, he notes. That doesn't mean we should stop exercising.
"Exercise actually is protective, but like anything else, too much isn't good," he says. "Start with light weights, use limited arcs that don't cause any pain, do a number of repetitions that doesn't cause any difficulty, and increase the exercise level slowly. You do want to take the muscle to fatigue; you don't want to go over the edge of the cliff."
If you run into any training-related problems, consult a specialist in the musculoskeletal system, Varlotta says. Ideally, look for a physiatrist or rehabilitation specialist with an interest in sports medicine. If none is available, look for an orthopaedist. A rheumatologist can also be helpful, particularly for tendinitis and arthritic problems.
"If you have some disposable income, consider working with an athletic trainer, so you can learn how to do the exercises in the right way and at the right level," he recommends.
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