EXERCISE can be scary and intimidating, especially while recovering from an injury.
But it doesn't have to be. Most simply, exercise is a way of building (or rebuilding) your strength. It doesn't have to be vigorous or involve hours sweating on the treadmill, and it doesn't have to hurt.
Let's say you were injured in a car accident. You used to be in pretty good shape and lived an active lifestyle, but you haven't been able to do much since the accident.
This has resulted in weight gain, because you've been eating more than usual and haven't been able to work it off. Furthermore, this inactivity has led to muscle deterioration, which has led to a loss in strength, higher body fat levels and less lean body tissue. You want to get back to your old self, but you don't know exactly what to do.
Fortunately, there is life after injury - it just might take a while to get back to where you were. It's important to take things slowly so you don't get hurt, but this means you might not see results as quickly as you otherwise would. If it's the weight gain you're worried about, start some light cardiovascular training. Go for a short walk or, if you can handle it, a long walk, three nights a week. If you're a bit further in your progress, go for a hike, jog or run. Only do what your body can handle and make sure you listen to what your body is telling you now, not what it said before the accident.
You can also conquer this weight gain by paying attention to your diet. Eat clean, healthy foods, prepare balanced meals, and stay away from the junk!
The strengthening component is a bit more tricky. Walking might feel pretty safe, but weights and machines and the gym could seem dangerous, and the last thing you want to do is hurt yourself again. However, it's important to start rebuilding your muscle strength. The stronger you are, the less susceptible you are to injury. If you were active before the accident, you probably already have a pretty good understanding of what sorts of exercises you should do. If you weren't a gym body before, it might help to get your doctor to refer you to an exercise therapist to get started.
The most important thing to remember when strength training after being injured is to pay attention to your technique.
Make sure you know what areas the exercises you are doing are meant to target and that you feel the isolation in the correct area.
You also need to focus on your posture while exercising, which will help you isolate the proper areas. Finally, make sure you slow down or stop if you start to feel an increase in pain.
It can be frustrating to bring your body back to where it used to be. Just remember that progress is supposed to take time, it's not a race, and the results will be worth the wait.
Shaun Karp is a certified personal trainer. For further information call 6044207800 or go to www.karpfitness. com.
