Exercise Safety & Low-Light Conditions

Fall is here along with shorter days and less light. Just a reminder to be SEEN if exercising in low light conditions. I nearly hit two different people in my car the last two weeks--one was walking and one was riding a bike. Both had no lights and both were not properly in the lane.

The favorite color for exercise clothes with most people is probably black, but this is the hardest color to see in low light. Even when "walking" on the bike path like I was doing earlier this week with my family, there are safety issues after dark concerning collisions. Many people ride the bike path after dark on their bikes--most of them with NO headlamps, reflectors, or flashing lights. Walkers wear dark clothing and rarely have reflectors or lights. There are a number of street lamps that would reflect if a reflector was worn or clothing had built-in reflectorized materials (many shoes, shorts, and running tops now have this built into them).

A quick and simple item to consider is a reflective ankle band.

I've been using Jogalite Slimband ankle reflectors for years because they are small, light, and extremely reflective. I use this product during 24-Hour ultraendurance cycling events, and use them for routine bike rides, walks, and runs on public streets or along the bike path in low-light conditions. These lightweight bands are incredible! They even reflect during daylight hours. Simply Velcro the strap lightly around your ankle for added safety. You can purchase a pair for only $5.95 through Team Estrogen.

I've ordered hundreds of these reflectors for programs and corporate clients over the years. Local bike and sporting good stores will also have lightweight reflectors very similar to the Slimbands. They also make lightweight headlamps that strap on the head or even clip onto a visor--most are not very expensive--cheaper than a collision for sure! I went to a clip-on light for my running visor after colliding myself with another runner last year after dark on the bike path. :o( There are also predator issues after dark, so a little light can be very helpful for safety in many different areas.

Check out the Jogalite Slimbands here:
http://www.teamestrogen.com/prodJL_8115.html

"See you" in a workout this fall,
Coach RJ

Biggest Loser & Exercise Safety

We've probably all been inspired by the transformations of people on The Biggest Loser TV show--myself included. However, the last couple of years the show has had some very questionable methods for fitness training. Once again the other week, one of the trainers demonstrated some very reckless kettlebell training that ignited a firestorm of criticism in the kettlebell world--this was not the first such incident. Beyond kettlebells, many of the biggest names in fitness are saying they now watch the show specifically to see what they will have to correct the following week after their clients see the reckless training methods and want to try them.

I feel obligated to comment on exercise safety and this show's methods. Some (not all) of their fitness training has become reckless and even at times outright dangerous. If you see something that looks really cool that you want to also try in your own workouts, please don't hesitate to ask a qualified fitness professional about any safety concerns you might have. I'll say this for sure--DO NOT duplicate any of the moves they are doing with a Russian Kettlebell!!! I've been really disappointed in a lot of their other exercises as well. They push people beyond what they can control in terms of joint strength and biomechanics. Kettlebells are the single most corrective tool in fitness today--but they have safety issues and require special training to properly engage with them. Once you know the safety of KBs, they will rock you and move you well. You won't get proper instruction on them watching shows like The Biggest Loser or looking at most of the stuff on YouTube. If you want to learn about KBs, find a certified RKC instructor near you.

Going hard core is fine. I enjoy it myself, but I would recommend that you only do what you can control. If not, more than likely your joints will pay the price in pain and injury...not good. Adding fitness on top of dysfunction is not efficient. You might get away with it for a while, but eventually your joints will take the hit. Prioritize joint mobility and safety FIRST then you'll move well with minimal risk for injury. Moving well and efficiently will enable you to also lose weight faster because you won't have as much or any downtime and you'll be able to burn more calories per minute because you can put the force where it belongs instead of leaking it out and breaking your joints. Exercise and safety really should go together.

Enjoy the show but with some reserve before trying everything you see. I've been inspired by the transformations. It's really great when people decide to take control of their own health and get their lives back. Power to them!
In Fitness,
Coach RJ