Don’t Be a Weekend Warrior
With the shift to warm weather, people of all ages start thinking exercise. Before your older patients take their exercise routine outdoors, The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons this week advised baby boomers not to overdo it. In a press release, the AAOS offered the following tips to help boomers prevent exercise-related injuries:
- Check with your doctor before beginning any exercise program. This is especially important if you have 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.
- Do not be afraid to take lessons. An instructor can help ensure you are 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 do not 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 and schedule regular days off from exercise and rest when tired.
What other exercise tips do you offer older patients to keep them safe?