Go, Go, Go, Crash – American Style

Life is pushing us to the limit. To survive, we are latching on to more time-saving gizmos in order to push back. If one of these is not keeping up, it’s in the garbage and a better one is found to do the job. The notion of fixing something is a passing thought; just get a new one.

Unfortunately, many tend to adopt the same mindset when it comes to the most complicated gadget ever designed. We tend to place our bodies in the back seat, even though we wish to maintain the “immortal mortal” lifestyle of days gone by. Forgotten is why this lifestyle once prevailed; namely the fact that we were outside working and playing, moving our muscles and joints through full ranges of motion every day. This is a far cry from the current semi-sedentary lifestyle that tends to be intermixed with bouts of volatile exercise.

Now excepted are greater levels of pain and dysfunction, as well as the belittling disgust that arises when a driveway full of snow or an aggressive work out seems to get the better of us. In short, the ego’s still focused, maybe fancied, but intentions are failing and time is fleeting. The “no pain, no gain” theory seems to be the only satiable answer, but we’re only fooling ourselves, clearing the way for another crash.

Don’t surrender to this ego buster, just outsmart it by getting a good grasp of your physical status. Prior to a work out, these questions should arise: When did I exercise last? What muscles were exercised? To what intensity? Was there pain? Obviously, an exercise log would be of great help.

Strength loss is approximately 10% after a week of inactivity, keep this in mind when returning to an exercise program, and progress in a similar fashion. As well, a 25% loss of mobility will predispose one to trauma 25% sooner.

Focus on the big picture of why you exercise in the first place. Set realistic goals (a trainer is a great help), and modify the plan of attack if there is a period of down time. Don’t allow your exercise program to become a series of short term victories intermixed with periods of pain and soreness. Listen to your body, not your ego, and be a long-term winner. Don’t do the CRASH.