Many of us need formal exercise
on a daily basis because we lead sedentary lifestyles. I recently visited my dad and asked if he was
keeping up with the exercise routine I gave him last December. I had added the exercises to his routine to
help improve overall strength. However, he
told me he discontinued the program because he was often in pain. This got me thinking…
My dad is 73 years old and
walk/jogs between two to five miles six days a week and for over 30 years he
has used the “ab wheel” for core training several times a week. He lives on seven acres and is very
active. He maintains the property
including disking an almond orchard, knocking almonds, chopping wood for winter
months, maintaining his tractors and cars, mowing the lawn, and almost all
house maintenance. He also bikes during
the summer months when he has time. He
overloads his body on a daily basis by bending and lifting; pushing, pulling,
lunging, and does not need more exercise!
My dad was most likely
overtraining when he added the additional exercises. Once he discontinued the exercises his aches and pains started to subside. Too much exercise can be just as detrimental
to one’s body as too little exercise.
Whether your daily activities are your “exercise” or you must schedule
formal exercise into your day it is important to gradually increase duration,
intensity, and vary your activity.
Listen to your body…if you experience serious or chronic pain after you
exercise, cut back accordingly, but do
not worry about light muscular soreness associated with working previously
unused muscle groups.
My dad and my 20 year old son
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