Dr. George L. Dixon - "Talking Fitness"

DON'T GET NEAR A BULLY (especially you)

* Don't be bullied into any exercise plan.

* Do not attack the activity menu as if you are "killing snakes". (too fast)

* Start slowly and gently. (small bites)

* "If a little is good, a whole lot is better". (too much)  This is clearly not true!

* "No pain, no gain" went out a decade ago. It is and was a harmful concept and practice. Muscles and joints can be injured.

* Using your same favorite exercise every day has the same effect as always eating the same thing; some muscles and joints are neglected, and some are overworked (too often). Vary your exercise. Sets of muscles need rest. Cross-training is the by-word.

* Invest slowly in expensive equipment.

* Be aware that neck motions may produce problems, especially if you are less fit or older. Avoid looking up, especially fast, hard and all the way up. It may cause you to faint or give you a very sore neck. Replace that motion with a slow, gentle, not "all-the-way-up", motion.

* "This is so easy, I'll have a couple more helpings" (pigging out) Your muscle repair and construction takes 48-72 hours, and it can't be rushed.

* "If I can't exercise, I'm a bear to live with-- can't think well- etc, etc"(too much). A kind of an addiction.

Obligatory exercisers need help by variation in routines and times so as to break the addiction. The danger is that the chance for injury is high, and the compulsion to push through it and go on to further damage is extreme.

For advice on starting physical activity and continuing safely, see "Exercise a la Carte", here, at your bookstore or call 800-624-4952.