Don’t’ Overdo It!
Finally, spring fever! That urge to get out of the house after being cooped up for a brutally cold winter hibernation and enjoy fresh air, warming sunshine, and being active again. If you are like Nick and I, our warmer days have us outside doing lots of yard work. Believe me; yard work can be really tough. You see, we live in the woods on nearly two acres. We spend many, many hours/days cleaning up the lot. Trees, branches, sticks, leaves, and other debris have to be dealt with. We are talking about lots of physical labor. In addition to the plain yard work, we also have lots of gardening to do. These two issues are totally different to me. Yard work is boring and gardening is enjoyable. However, both are physically exhausting.
Some of my wonderful clients had given me some great plants recently. Steve gave us clumps of showy grasses—the kind with the huge feathery plumbs. Ted gave us a load of forsythia plants. Fortunately, we got everything planted before the heavy rains hit us, but boy were we sore! Bending, stooping, and lifting can do a number on your legs, shoulders, and back. I guess we got carried away, and that is what I am here to warn you about. Just because the days are getting longer and nicer—don’t overdo it!
That bike you have in the garage or shed that hasn’t been ridden since last fall—well, it’s going to feel great to take a nice big ride again. Why, sure you can—don’t overdo it! Don’t be tempted to ride for miles and miles and then suffer the consequences of sore muscles for days. Take a ride around the neighborhood. Take your time and enjoy it. Your quads, glutes, and knees will thank you.
For those of you who love to run, I have the same advice. One of my clients who runs occasionally was on vacation in Florida last month. She thought she could run the 5K race they had in her neighborhood to raise money for breast cancer. She thought a 5K would be fine. She figured she did a 5K run about two years ago and it was no big deal…Wrong! She had not prepared herself for the run and suffered the consequences of being laid up for three days after it with sore, aching muscles—she had a rude awakening.
For some of you who have held off joining a gym or even those of you who waited for the crowds at the facilities to drop off, you too have to be careful. Even though it is now March and bathing suit weather is only two months away, those of you who haven’t worked out should be careful. When you return to the gym, ease into your workout. Hire a trainer to help you with your program. If you can’t afford a personal trainer, try training with a buddy. If that doesn’t work then do some research. Go on-line and search YouTube, Google, or Yahoo. These sites have some great ideas for workouts. I even have five YouTube videos to help out the beginner. These are easy exercises to do and I demonstrate each one for you. Please ignore the dog you will see…just go to Rick’s Training Vids. I did these videos so that those new to exercise could find some easy and enjoyable movements and to assist my clients with exercises to help them continue their workouts when on vacation or on a leave.
So, whatever activity you choose, use your head. Don’t overdo it!
Rick Moore is a personal trainer certified by the American Fitness Professionals & Associates.