Fitness Fails

You might think you’re doing everything right to stay fit, but some “healthy” habits are counterproductive. As you age your body becomes more rigid and less flexible, and if you exercise incorrectly you can suffer more serious injuries than just sore muscles. “As time goes by, muscles and joints become less responsive and adaptable compared to the peak young adult years,” said physical therapist Rob Cowell. “Sports and exercises that involve sudden changes in direction and quick, powerful movements can easily lead to strains or more serious injuries, especially for the untrained.” Here are some exercises to avoid or approach with caution, especially if you’re doing self-guided workouts amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Related: The Best Exercises for Staying in Shape Past 50




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Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.


Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.

Burpees

This jumping move is exactly the type of exercise you may want to avoid as you get older. “You need the appropriate range of motion in the spine and in the hips and in the ankles to perform this exercise correctly,” said physical therapist Brett Russell, a certified athletic trainer, licensed massage therapist and neuromuscular therapist, and owner of Fyzical Therapy and Balance Centers. Still, he was quick to point out that, “with proper training and technique, all these exercises may be modified to be performed safely.”

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Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.


Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.

Pull-Ups

“If you haven’t ever done a pull-up, and you’re out of shape and older, this could be a dangerous exercise to try,” trainer Kyle Overstreet said. “The rotator cuff could be injured by this movement.” Physical therapist Brett Russell concurred. “There are better ways to attempt a pull-up, such as an assisted pull-up machine,” he said. “This is an exercise that you need to build up to.”

Related: 12 Ways to Workout at Home and Stay Motivated




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Jumping Lunges

Overstreet said many people try to do too much, too soon. Jumping lunges are another exercise that’s hard on the knees and the joints. “You have to respect the fact that you are getting older, and high-impact jumping lunges may not be the way to go,” he said.

Related: 15 Wacky Workouts to Try This Summer




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Crunches

A lot of people attempt rapid crunches with someone holding onto their feet. But physical therapist Brett Russell advised against that. “One reason is that you’re actually pulling yourself up with your hip flexors and that can cause low-back issues.” He suggested doing crunches on an exercise ball to avoid pulling muscles in your lower back.

Related: Sick of Doing Crunches? 15 At-Home Exercises to Target Your Abs




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Leg Presses

Leg presses can be tough for older folks. “Cartilage thins out as we age, and the discs shrink in size in the spine,” Russell said. This thinning can bring the bones and the vertebrae closer together, pushing the nerves out on each side, resulting in back pain and worse. “The nerves can be impinged upon, because the discs have shrunk and the vertebrae compress the nerves. There are so many safer ways to strengthen your glutes, your quads, and your hamstrings to obtain the same result.”

Related: How Functional Fitness Can Keep You Active and Pain-Free at Any Age




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Deadlifts

Older lifters must have the appropriate strength and range of motion to perform these correctly. Physical therapist Rob Cowell suggested alternatives. “To stay healthy and lower your risk of injury as an older adult, focus on continuous aerobic exercise like walking, biking, or swimming. Add bodyweight exercises on a mat or classes such as yoga and pilates to help improve your core strength and mobility.”




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Hot Yoga

Extreme heat can cause dizziness and be troublesome for older people with heart conditions. Hot yoga isn’t recommended for people with arthritis, heart disease, high or low blood pressure, and other ailments common among older people. A study of nearly 30,000 yoga-related injuries seen in U.S. emergency rooms from 2001 to 2014 researchers found that participants 65 and older had a greater rate of injury than other age groups, and advised older people to consult with a doctor before unrolling a mat. These expensive and overhyped classes aren’t worth it.

Related: Most Common Health Issues for People Over 60




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HIIT

While it may be a big fitness trend, High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) is hard at any age, according to trainer Kyle Overstreet. “HIIT training should be modified, slowed down, and taken at a pace that is right for the condition of the client’s body,” he said.




Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.


Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.


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