Aerobic Cautions

QUESTION: I have made up my mind, partly because of your column, partly
because of encouragement from friends, to begin remaking this tired old body
of mine. After a fine physical exam, my physician agrees that I may proceed
with an aerobic dance class. Any final instructions from you?
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ANSWER: You do make me proud. You are in for lots of fun, and an improvement
in your strength, endurance and even flexibility. But here are a few
cautionary words. Be sure you begin each session with the warm-up and
stretching exercises that are a most important component of the session.
Don't come late and try to dive right in; it doesn't work that way. Do the
cool down exercises as well, without omitting the stretches. Don't push too
hard, particularly in the beginning. It isn't necessary to go full tilt for
the full hour. Just sway in time to the music when the going gets rough, but
stay in there. I don't believe in the slogan "no pain, no gain" for this
activity and your reasons for participating, so "hurt" may be left to the
side. Buy the right shoes for aerobics, and don't substitute running shoes,
or try it barefoot. A good instructor won't permit this anyway. The greatest
risk of injury comes from overuse, so moderation is the rule. Most important
of all is to keep it pleasurable, for fun is a great motivation, and you will
stick with it long enough to do you some good. Have a blast!