For someone at risk, all these things happening at once may promote a plaque or rupture, a narrowing in a blood vessel. But what the study suggests is that the vast majority of deaths were in those who were not getting regular exercise. He thinks everyone, particularly men and women over the age of 40, should check with their doctors before beginning an exercise program. He also believes that the message to people should be to get into shape gradually. Most injuries are actually breakdown injuries, says the Sun columnist and director of The Sports Medicine Specialists on Davisville Ave. who counts among his patients ballet dancers and hockey players.
People end up putting too much stress on a particular body part.
They don't prepare, yet go out for an eight-mile hike on the Bruce Trail and come down with an inflamed knee. He suggests that people who want to get fit should first see their doctors for clearance, then start very slowly. Today, there's more education out there. People know about appropriate shoes. They know to warm up better, and to vary their exercise so as to allow the body to heal.