Olympic Buzz Has Weekend Athletes Jumping into Sports, But Doing Too Much, Too Soon Can Have Painful Consequences
As the upcoming Olympic Games shine the spotlight on sports and elite athletes, the excitement is enough to make many us get off our couches and jump into a sport or exercise program. B ut anybody who's been inactive for an extended period of time should exercise caution. People who’ve been sedentary are at risk of injury if they don't take a few simple steps before starting a sport or an exercise program. You cannot ove restimate the benefits of regular exercise for people of any age. Exercise is good for the heart and lungs, it helps keep bones and muscles strong, plus, it can provide a psychological lift. Strengthening muscles can also protect a previously injured joint from further injury. And regular exercise can improve balance and mobility and even reduce the pain of arthritis. But anyone who leaps into a sport or exercise program too quickly can suffer painful consequences, especially if over 40. As we get older, our bodies change, and we are more prone t