Question
for Penny: I don't
think I want to ever do exercises like jumping (plyometrics), squats and
running up the stairs. I hear it will totally destroy the knees. So I don't
know why trainers would even recommend this?
Answer: Your body was designed to do
incredible things like jump, squat, skip, run and a whole lot more. If you
don't use your body to do these movements, your ability to move this way
effectively will inevitably weaken.
When you
say "I 'hear' it will totally destroy the knees," you need to take a
closer look into who and where you're hearing this from. How reliable is that
"one" source, or was it "MANY" highly credible sources?
What "exactly" did you hear, or "thought" you heard? Don't
conclude so quickly without getting all your facts straight. You can only hurt
your knees if you don't know "how to workout properly."
For
example: Wearing the wrong shoes that don't provide proper support; not
executing a proper warm up before you start going "hard core" on your
workout; not stretching properly after a workout; not starting slow taking one
step at a time up the stairs until your body adapts and builds strength before
you go running two steps at a time; not taking breaks or having proper rest
days in between. If any of the latter points lag, then YES, you can expect to
get hurt.
Plus, to
avoid injuries in anything you do, proper form is KEY. (Yes, there are actually
proper techniques that accompany each exercise move to maximize performance and
avoid injuries).
Also, do
you have an injury from the past that you did not properly tend to? If so,
exercises that require your body to move a certain way may aggravate that past
injury. You may not be aware of those side effects and could easily mistake
your current movement or workout as "the source" of the problem.
So if you
think you're going to hurt your knees doing exercises like jumping or running the stairs, then you DO NOT know how to workout properly. Ego may be your
driving force instead of mind-body awareness and knowledge. It's not the
workout that is the problem; it's the approach a person takes with the workout
that can cause the problem.
Hope this
gives you a better sense of how you can be more empowered in your body — and
prevent injuries!
