Bands and Bells
By Callie Durbrow

Exercise or Resistance bands serve two excellent purposes. On the one hand, they are great for general conditioning and strength training. They are also VERY useful in 'preventing' exercise or sports related injury, and in physical rehabilitation.

Using resistance bands requires good balance and coordination. You actually use more muscle groups to help stabilize your body while you workout. It is also easier to focus on specific groups of muscles than it is with just weight training. Resistance bands also allow you to vary your workouts as you can create resistance in any direction. This helps you work on groups of muscles that generally are not worked. You can also alter the difficulty or the tension level depending on your focus. Their versatility is their strength. A very small alteration in the angle of movement will target a another set of muscles. Working out with resistance bands engages your 'core' toning and strengthening your torso and tummy while you are actually doing other exercises.

If you are doing circuit training, working with resistance bands make an ideal addition to that format. It helps to strengthen specific muscle groups, and is great for the cardiovascular system. It also eliminates the "I wont be able to exercise for a few days, because I'm traveling" excuse, as the bands are very compact and lightweight, making them perfect for on-the-go fitness maintenance. A Cambridge personal trainer can tell you which size bands are right for you, and get you started on a good program keeping your objectives front and center.

Another excellent exercise tool is the Kettle bell, which is used to increase endurance and strength, while heightening your agility and balance. Using full body movement, it works the muscles and the cardiovascular system and is said to help athletes move forward and reach breakthroughs when they feel stuck in a rut with their routines.

The kettle bell is enjoying a measure of popularity for a number of reasons. It takes us back to the principle of whole body health and fitness. Using the kettle bell requires a focus on the entire body, as working with it forces especially the 'core' to act as a group. The kettle bell works multiple groups of muscles at the same time, making it a great tool for working your entire body.

These exercise tools can be used independently or as part of the stations in a full on fat loss circuit training routine. Happy Exercising!!!

Callie Durbrow is a strength coach and personal trainer in Boston, Massachusetts. She currently trains clients to lose body fat, gain strength, and challenge their bodies with each session. Her training style is a combination of conventional strength work, modified strongman training, and overall conditioning. Visit her at http://www.durbrowperformance.com to find out more about personal training and small group training.

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Lawnmower Safety
By Bruce Kaler M.D.

Is it the season for cutting and trimming the lawn again? Lawnmowers are very powerful and needless to say an almost indispensable tool. Lawnmowers not only gobble up the lawn but often the people operating them. More than 100,000 people a year are injured mowing the lawn. It is usually an adult but children become victims as well. Most of these injuries are preventable with a small amount of effort and common sense precautions.

The power and danger of a lawnmower cannot be taken for granted. A mower is able to spit out a rock, piece of wood or metal at a speed of 100 mile per hour. The force is comparable to being shot with a handgun if a small object strikes a person after ejection by a mower. The mower blade is able to mangle part of an extremity in literally the blink of an eye. Power or push, ride or walk, they all contribute to an enormous number of serious injuries. Lawnmower injuries most often involve the hand, fingers, wrist, foot, ankle, or toes and account for the large percentage of partial or complete amputations.

A number of simple precautions will go a long way in preventing injury to yourself or your family. Only adults should operate mowers or supervise young people about the dangers and proper use. In order to maintain adequate control a mower, no one younger than 12 years old should operate a walk behind mower as a certain amount of growth, strength and coordination is necessary. A riding mower should not be operated by anyone younger than 14 years of age. Again, maturity, exercising good judgment and instruction on how to operate safely is important. Proper footwear and eye protection for the operator is always important. Since flying objects is a big potential problem others should be kept away from the area being mowed. A bag that catches the clippings or a flap plate that covers the opening where the grass is ejected should be in place and in good working order. Mower adjustments and refueling should be done by an adult when the mower is off, cool, and with the ignition off. Regular maintenance and simple inspection before or between regular uses will add a lot to preventing dangerous malfunctions. Many safety features are built in to mowers but are overlooked and neglected. They cannot help unless it is in proper working order. Working on a hot mower or inadvertent charge from a spark plug that is not disconnected can lead to burns or accidental ignition. A few simple steps can prevent a life changing injury. Please treat these tools with the respect and care they deserve.

As a physician with over thirty years of diverse clinical experience, Dr Kaler recently published the Owners Manual for Injury Prevention by Bruce Kaler M.D. It is a user friendly guide to understanding prevention and injury care. He also authored a mystery novel Turnabout by Bruce Kaler M.D. an engaging medical thriller and must read for all mystery buffs. Both are available through Amazon.com, Smashwords.com and many other retail outlets. Visit his website http://seattledoc.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Bruce_Kaler_M.D.
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Treating a Pulled Hamstring With Specialized Massage
By Morgan F Turley

Before seeking massage treatments for a pulled or strained hamstring, it's important to understand what exactly happens during this type of injury and how to identify it. A pulled or strained hamstring is often referred to as a tear somewhere in the three muscles of the hamstring.

The hamstring muscles assist you in knee flexing and allowing you to move your thigh backwards at the hip. Injuries to the hamstring are common among runners (especially those who do hurdle jumping or sprinting), as well as those who play football.

If you experience a hamstring injury, you'll be able to instantly recognize it by the sudden sharp pain you'll feel at the back of the leg during the activity you're participating in. When you go to stretch this muscle, there will be pain in both the stretching of it, as well as the contracting of it. There are various levels of severity for hamstring injuries, and fortunately the majority of them can be remedied through a combination of diligent self-help and specialized sports massage targeted towards this area.

Immediately following a hamstring injury, you must begin active involvement in treating the area. The first 48-hours are crucial, and this is the time where you must treat the injury yourself before even seeking out a massage therapist. Begin your treatment by using cold therapy. This involves the "RICE" technique, which addresses resting the area, icing it, compressing it, and then elevating it. A compression bandage may be used to keep any intra muscular bleeding to a minimum. Although you do not want to bring further injury to the hamstring, you should do some minimal stretching and strengthening exercises to keep the area from further swelling.

Once you have personally addressed the issue correctly for the first 48-hours, you should seek out a sports injury specialist who can provide you with massage care coupled with ultrasound and other treatments, depending on the severity of your injury.

Sports massage techniques are a crucial part of your hamstring injury rehab program. Massage will speed up your recovery as it keeps scar tissue creation to a minimum. This is down by breaking down the new collagen network forming as a result of the injury and ensures that muscle fiber realignment is done correctly. This massage therapy will also ensure that blood flow in the injured hamstring area is increased, making sure that circulation is even. Ultrasound is often utilized by the massage therapist, along with the specialized massage techniques. This stimulates muscle fibers and encourages the reconnection.

While the majority of hamstring injuries can be treated exclusively with a massage therapy program coupled with at-home stretches done on a daily basis, do not be alarmed if you do get referred to a conventional medical doctor to ensure no muscle ruptures occurred during the injury. A massage therapist who suspects that the injury is beyond their scope of practice will refer you out immediately for a consult and potential MRI. You may end up being referred back to the therapist if it's discovered there is no surgical intervention necessary. Massage therapy is so beneficial for hamstring tears as it not only assists greatly in bringing you back to normal functioning, but also strengthens the area to prevent further injury.

I write for TIR Massage Stone, the leading hot stone massage supplies provider. They carry products such as massage stone, as well as many other accessories for hot and cold stone therapy.

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Snow Removal Injuries
By Bruce Kaler M.D.

The most common injuries associated with snow removal include sprains and strains, particularly in the back and shoulders, as well as lacerations and finger amputations. Although a very laborious chore at the most inconvenient time, it can be good exercise. Do not underestimate the difficulty of this strenuous and sometimes dangerous activity. You should probably check with your doctor about your ability to pursue such strenuous physical activity if you are over 40 years old. Many people lead such sedentary lives that sporadic physical activity such as snow removal can be dangerous to your health. Clearing snow puts a lot of stress on the heart and multiple joints. Unless you are already healthy and in good physical condition you should leave this work to someone else. Almost 20,000 emergency room visits are related to shoveling snow, snow blowers, and manual ice removal in winter.

Working in cold wet slippery conditions where it may be hard to use good body mechanics can only lead to problems. Be sure you are equipped properly. This starts with your clothing. Dressing in layers to achieve adequate insulation and ventilation in the cold is important. Appropriate hat and gloves can protect against cold and rough work. Warm insulating socks and shoes that have slip-resistant soles are also important.

Warming up your muscles with some light activity before you start is important to all exercise activities. Snow removal takes a slow steady pace, don't be in a hurry. Take frequent breaks, it is very strenuous work. Staying well hydrated is easily overlooked in cold weather. You will probably work up a sweat even though it may be frigid outside.

Use a snow shovel in good condition that is comfortable for your size and height. Go slowly, picking up small amounts of snow each time. Be attentive to good lifting technique. Avoid bending at the waist and let your legs do more of the work. While staying more upright, abs and back engaged, bend the knees in a slight squat, feet about shoulder width apart to lift safely and efficiently. Stay close to the snow you are lifting while avoiding complete arm extension. When possible you may be able to push the snow off to the side with your shovel without actually lifting. In deep snow, remove small amounts with your shovel starting at the top of the pile, not at the bottom. Maintain an awareness of your surroundings and the ground on which you are working. Be cautious about hidden objects buried in the snow or working on uneven surfaces.

Snowblowers need close attention and familiarity with your machine. Do not modify or tamper with any of the machine's safety features. Add fuel and do other maintenance only when the machine is completely off. Do not leave a running machine unattended. When a machine jams or clogs never stick hands in the snowblower. Stop the engine and wait at least 5 to 10 seconds for the blades to stop moving. Beware of recoil when the machine is stopping. Use a long solid object to remove ice or debris from the machine. Remember the engine remains quite hot even though you are working in the cold. If you are using an electric snowblower know where the cord is at all times. Keep children away from the machine and the work area.

With some common sense steps you can avoid back injury or worse while clearing a path for your winter needs and enjoyment. Stay warm and stay safe.

As a physician with over thirty years of diverse clinical experience, Dr Kaler recently published the Owners Manual for Injury Prevention by Bruce Kaler M.D. It is a user friendly guide to understanding prevention and injury care. He also authored a mystery novel Turnabout by Bruce Kaler M.D. an engaging medical thriller and must read for all mystery buffs. Both are available through Amazon.com, Smashwords.com and many other retail outlets. Visit his website http://seattledoc.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Bruce_Kaler_M.D.
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My Heel Is Killing Me… I Can’t Walk… What Is It?
By Nathan Wei

A not uncommon scenario is the sudden development of pain in
the bottom of the heel.

This sharp stabbing pain has a name… plantar fasciitis.
Oftentimes, it will come on when a person gets out of bed in the
morning or when they get up out of their chair at breakfast. On
other occasions, it can come on slowly. Regardless of the mode
of presentation, it feels as if someone were jabbing an ice pick
into the heel.

The plantar fascia is a tough band of tissue that runs from the
bottom of the calcaneus (heel bone) to the base of the toes
(ball of the foot). The purpose of the plantar fascia is to help
absorb shock and support the arch. However, if the fascia is
injured, small tears can develop leading to inflammation and
irritation.

Stretching can reduce the pain but prolonged inactivity such as
sleeping or sitting in a chair for an extended period of time
causes the fascia to tighten. And when one gets up to walk, the
fascia is stretched and the tears become irritated again.

What causes plantar fasciitis? Risk factors include excessive
weight, abnormal arches (either too high or too low), age,
improper footwear with no arch support, excessive training (eg.,
long-distance running), and trauma.

Probably the best treatment is avoidance.

Proper footwear can be helpful in preventing the onset of
plantar fasciitis. Shoes that provide good arch support and
shock absorbency are advised. For women, heels can be worn but
they should be no higher than three inches. Varying the height
of the heel on a daily basis is also a good idea.

Runners should replace their running shoes on a regular basis.
A quick way to tell is to bend the shoe. If the shoe bends
easily, then the shoes need to be replaced.

Stretching of the feet, calves, and Achilles tendons is one
good way to avoid an occurrence … or reoccurrence of plantar
fasciitis. Stretching should be done 2-3 times a day.

Avoiding extra poundage is key. There is a correlation of
plantar fasciitis with obesity.

However, if plantar fasciitis does develop, then the important
thing is to recognize the symptoms as soon as possible so that
proper treatment can be instituted. Once it starts, plantar
fasciitis can be very persistent.

Podiatrists often recommend taping or strapping as the first
line of treatment. This procedure works because it rests the
plantar fascia. And lets the tears heal.

Patients should not stretch at first. After a brief period of
rest, they may begin stretching the arch, toes and Achilles
tendon. This is a routine they'll need to follow faithfully for
many months, even after symptoms subside.

Patients should limit the amount they walk and eliminate all
high-impact activity such as running. Arch supports will also be
needed.

Inexpensive inserts available at pharmacies and running shoe
stores are effective if they are arch-supportive and rigid.

Sometimes, though, the issue is due to abnormal gait.

Gait problems must be corrected with special customized
orthotic inserts. A podiatrist is needed to make sure these fit
properly.

Sometimes, a special foot and ankle splint is used at night to
stretch out the fascia and Achilles tendon. While simple
versions of these are available from specialty retailers, it is
best to seek professional evaluation and fitting through a
licensed provider such as a trained podiatrist.

For pain relief, patients may be prescribed non-steroidal
anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS). Opinions vary as to whether
ice or moist heat is more effective.

In patients who do not respond to conservative measures, a
glucocorticoid (steroid) injection may do the trick. Ultrasound
needle guidance is recommended to ensure, the proper location is
injected. No more than two injections should be given since
weakening of the fascial tissue with subsequent rupture can
occur.

Surgery is a last resort measure. Newer endoscopic techniques
may be less traumatic to tissue.

About the Author: Nathan Wei, MD FACP FACR is a rheumatologist
and Director of the Arthritis and Osteoporosis Center of
Maryland. He is a Clinical Assistant Professor of Medicine at
the University of Maryland School of Medicine.
http://www.arthritis-treatment-and-relief.com/arthritis-treatment.html

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What Are Muscle Cramps? How to Prevent Them?
By Kya Grace

Experiencing muscle cramps is a common phenomenon. Muscle
cramps can often last for several minutes and make the affected
muscles sore which makes the entire area very sensitive and
painful. Cramps are involuntary contractions in a muscle or in
groups of muscles, usually in legs. The sudden shortening and
contraction in muscles causes the intense and sharp pain. Have
you ever wondered what the causes of muscle cramps are? Here are
some of the causes:

1. Dehydration. This is the most common cause for cramps. Your
body may be suffering from lack of electrolytes- consisting of
sodium, calcium, potassium- which helps the cells in your body
to function normally.

2. Injury- It is a common phenomenon to experience muscle
cramps after suffering an injury like a fractured bone.

3. Strong activity- This is caused because of muscle fatigue
and severe muscle tension. These types of cramps occur during
the activity ort after the activity is over.

4. Inactivity- Cramps may occur if you are sitting or lying in
a still position for a very long period of time. This is because
the muscles in your body are not being shifted or moved about
for a long time.

Muscle cramps frequently occur in the legs, mostly in the
calves. It is also a common phenomenon to experience cramps in
the night, while sleeping. These are called nocturnal cramps.
These types of cramps are excruciating as they disturb sleep,
cause severe pain and recur frequently. It has been seen that
nocturnal cramps can be triggered off by making movements while
sleeping or because the body was lying in an awkward position
for a very long time. Muscle cramps are a common phenomenon;
nearly everyone has experienced cramps at one point of their
time. Here are some of the ways you can prevent the frequent
occurrence of muscle cramps:

1. Drink plenty of fluids to avert dehydration - Oral
re-hydration prevents loss of fluids from your body thereby
preventing loss of electrolytes. This is one of the reasons why
athletes and sportsmen drink a lot of energy drinks and fruit
juices. Drink sufficient amounts of water after working out.

2. Incorporate a diet rich in calcium and potassium - These
minerals can help to keep muscle cramps at bay. Make sure to
include fresh, green, leafy vegetables and fresh fruits in your
diet.

3. Regular stretching exercises - Make it a habit to flex your
muscles regularly at regular intervals throughout the day. If
your work requires you to sit at a desk for the major part of
the day, make it a habit to walk around your office and flex
your leg muscles regularly. This will ensure muscle activity in
your leg and will also improve the blood circulation in your
body.

4. Immediate measures - Some measures that you can immediately
take after getting a muscle cramp include taking a hot shower
(the hot water helps to relieve the muscles and relieves the
pain), rubbing ice over the affected muscle and gently massaging
the affected muscle.

About the Author: If you'd like to register for a Boot Camps
Sutherland Shire or a $1 two-week Boot Camp trial, visit
http://bootcampssydney.com.au Bootcamps Sydney.

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Runners,...
Adam Woolfitt
Buy This at Allposters.com

by

Joseph

Marathon runners are not immune to fatal heart attacks, new research shows. According to a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine, the chances that marathon runners can die from heart attacks has been rising steadily over the past decade.

Scientists examined the heart attack incidents and outcomes that were associated with marathons and half-marathons in the US. Their investigation required analysis of 10,900,000 men and women who competed in marathons between 1 January 2000 and 31 May 2010. What they found should serve as an eye opener to marathoners everywhere.

Marathoners Have A Slight But Growing Risk Of Having A Fatal Heart Attack

Researchers learned that out of nearly 11 million marathoners, 59 suffered cardiac arrest - 42 of which were fatal. Full marathons proved to be more dangerous than half marathons, accounting for more heart attacks directly related to running. Men were also more prone to heart attacks than women.

Scientific investigators said that cardiovascular disease contributed to the majority of the heart attacks.

Although the likelihood of long distance runners suffering a heart attack continues to remain slight relative to the general population, the risk is still there and growing.

It's interesting to note that most of the heart attack victims were on average 42 year old men. Although, this is a relatively young group, if these people spent the majority of their lives sitting on the sofa, they would not be as healthy as seasoned athletes i.e. people who had been exercising for many years. 

Some folks reading this article might be shocked to learn that exercise can cause heart attacks, but it makes sense if you think about it. 

The heart is a muscle, it's job is to pump oxygen and nutrients to the billions and billions of cells that make up the human body.

Exercise increases the body's demands for food and oxygen. If the heart is sickly - from high blood pressure, high cholesterol, clogged arteries or other problems associated with heart disease - it will make the heart's job much harder to do.

Even a slight risk of death is greater than no risk.

This is one of the reasons why people are often warned to see a health care professional before participating in any strenous exercise event.

 The scientists working on the current study concluded that: "Cardiac arrest, most commonly attributable to hypertrophic cardiomyopathy or atherosclerotic coronary disease, occurs primarily among male marathon participants; the incident rate in this group increased during the past decade."

With more and more people getting involved in marathons in recent years, this is definitely something to think about.

Blessed are those who mourn for they shall be comforted.

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Article Source

Kim, J.H., Malhotra, R., Chiampas, G., d'Hemecourt, P., Troyanos, C., and Cianca, J. et al. Cardiac Arrest during Long-Distance Running Races. N Engl J Med 2012; 366: 130 -140.

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(CDC image "Histopathology of amoebic meningoencephalitis"- via wikipedia)

by

Joseph

Recently many media outlets reported on the tragic deaths of three people who became infected with a parasite known as the "brain eating ameba". In light of the fact that "brain eating amoeba" infections tend to occur during the summer months, this is an appropriate time to write an article describing what the organism is, where it lives and ways to protect yourself from it.

Where Do Brain-Eating Amoeba Come From?

The scientific name for brain-eating ameba is Naegleria fowleri, a species of ameba-like organisms discovered in 1965. N. fowleri is a primitive single celled organism which belongs to the kingdom Protista and makes its home in warm weather environments throughout the world. In fact it's not uncommon to find Naegleria fowleri in the following environments:

• warm, standing water such as lakes and unchlorinated swimming pools
• untreated tap water
• hot springs
• mud puddles
• water heaters
• warm water discharge from industrial plants
• shallow rivers
• geothermal areas
• dust
• aquariums

How Common Are Brain-Eating Ameba Infections?

Although several people were recently killed by Naegleria fowleri, the chances of infection are quite rare. According to government health officials from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), between 2001 and 2010 there have only been 32 reported cases of Naegleria fowleri infections in the United States. Infection is most likely to occur between July, August and September. However, just because Naegleria fowleri infections are rare does not mean that you are not at risk.

How Does Naegleria fowleri Get Into The Brain?

Naegleria fowleri got its name because of what it does to the human brain. Naegleria fowleri enters the body when infected water gets into the nasal passages. From there the organism makes its way to the brain where it feeds on protein. 

Naegleria fowleri infections cause an illness known as primary amebic meningoencephalitis or PAM.  (Fans of the tv show "House" may recall how Dr. Foreman became infected with the disease after passing through a mist of contaminated well water.) Primary amebic meningoencephalitis infections are often fatal. It's for this reason that you should take precautions to lower your risk of infection by the brain-eating ameba.

Steps You Can Take To Prevent Risk of Brain-Eating Ameba Infection

Although the risk of Naegleria fowleri infection remains very small, health experts say that you should take precautions to lower your risk of infection which include:

• use nose clips when participating in warm fresh water activities
• avoid water activities when fresh water temperatures are warm and the water levels are low
• avoid disturbing the sediment when playing in shallow, fresh water areas

("Freshwater Pond" copyright Living Fit, Healthy and Happy_(SM). All Rights Reserved.)

Symptoms of Brain Eating Ameba Infection

Most cases of brain eating amoeba infection occur in the southern United States, but the organism can be found in warm freshwater all around the world. Because Naegleria fowleri causes primary amebic meningoencephalitis, experts say that the early symptoms of brain-eating ameba infection are similar to bacterial meningitis symptoms.

There are many symptoms to be on the look out for including:

• headache
• fever
• vomiting
• nausea
• stiff neck
• confusion
• lack of attention to others
• hallucinations
• loss of balance
• seizures

According to health officials, PAM symptoms begin manifesting themselves anywhere from one to seven days after infection and can progress very rapidly. Death can occur within one to twelve days after infection by the disease. If you think that you've been infected, seek immediate medical assistance.

Scientists assert that Naegleria fowleri can exist in untreated fresh water, but anyone who participates in warm fresh water activities is at some risk of exposure. Nonetheless, it would be unwise and counterproductive to post signs warning people to steer clear of certain bodies of freshwater. This is because the population and location of these freshwater organisms can change over time.

The best chance of cutting brain-eating ameba infection is to stay out of the water. Aside from that, use your best judgment and prevent water from getting into your nose.

Now that you have some facts about brain eating amebas, you're better equipped to protect yourself from infection and to have a fun time playing in the water during the rest of the warm days we have left this summer.

Since God is for us, who can be against us? Since God is our Protector, the devil can not win.

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Article Sources

CDC - Naegleria fowleri - Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) http://www.cdc.gov/parasites/naegleria/general.html

Naegleria fowleri. Wikipedia. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Naegleria_fowleri

"Important Facts You Should Know About Brain Eating Amoeba" copyright © 2011 Living Fit, Healthy and Happy_(SM). All Rights Reserved.

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by

Joseph

Most of us exercise for fun and health, it improves mental alertness, strength, flexibility, mood, etc. In a word, exercise is good for you. But too much of anything becomes bad eventually. That's the focus of this article. Today I'm going to list some of the tell - tale signs of exercise addiction. Carefully read the list and see how much of it applies to you.

You Know That You're Addicted To Exercise When...

1. Everything in your wardrobe is sportswear.
2. Your idea of a romantic dinner date is taking your long term girlfriend to your favorite sports bar.
3. Your home entertainment collection consists exclusively of fitness DVDs.
4. You claim all of the workout equipment at the gym for your personal fitness center.
5. You spend more time at the gym than with family and friends.
6. You workout at the gym instead of staying home to recuperate from a serious cold.
7. Nothing in life excites you anymore.
8. You freak out that your muscles will shrink if you miss a workout.
9. Every woman you date has to train just as often as you do.
10. You know the gym is closing for the night but you ask the manager to let you stay to "finish a couple more sets".

If anything in this list sounds familiar, now would be the time for some serious soul searching. The moment exercise goes from being an extension of your life to being a life of its own, things have gone too far. Take a break from exercise or talk to your doctor about getting help for addictive behaviors. Exercise should enrich your life, not ruin it.

By the way, if you have anything to add to the list share it in the comments. We enjoy hearing from you.

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"You Know That You're Addicted To Exercise When..." copyright 2011 Living Fit, Healthy and Happy. All Rights Reserved.

by

Joseph

You know that I'm a staunch advocate of physical exercise. Cardiovascular exercise and strength training are key components of a healthy lifestyle. The rewards of regular exercise go well beyond physical health, people who exercise tend to be happier, more alert, confident and optimistic than people who don't exercise. But as great as regular exercise is for mind, body and spirit there are instances when it should be avoided. That is the focus of today's article.

Times When Exercise Should Be Postponed

As enthusiastic as you are about exercise, there are times when you should take a break. You place your health and safety at risk when you workout before you're ready for it. Here's a list of suggestions that you can use to decide when you should not exercise.

1. When you're recovering from major surgery or injury. Recuperation after major surgery takes time, care and patience. Don't resume any exercise program without getting approval from your doctor.
2. When you're experiencing chest pains, dizziness or shortness of breath. These could be signs of heart attack and you should immediately stop exercise if you experience any of those symptoms.
3. When you're fighting a severe cold. Despite exercise's numerous health benefits, intense physical exertion places strain on the immune system. Proteins required by the immune system maybe diverted to repair muscle tissue that has been broken down during exercise. Thus, performing intense physical activity while you're sick compromises your ability to fight the illness.
4. When you haven't had enough rest. It's a bad idea to exercise when you're sleepy. Your senses are dulled making you susceptible to injury. You know better than to drive when you're sleepy, so don't go biking, swimming, or participate in other exercises if you're so sleepy that you can barely keep your eyes open.  

Exercising on a regular basis is a great way to stay healthy and alleviate boredom but it won't do you any good at all if you're too or tired to workout.

Jesus Christ died for our sins and rose on the third day and sits at the right hand of the Father. Believe in the Son of God and have eternal life.

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"When Is It Not A Good Idea To Exercise?" copyright © 2011 Living Fit, Healthy and Happy_(SM). All Rights Reserved.

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