Brevard Orthopaedics

By Dr. Angus W. Graham III

One of the reasons we see people at Brevard Orthopaedics is for injuries related to poor exercise techniques or patterns. Most of us will concede that despite knowing that exercise should be a regular part of our week it isn't, and yet we expect our bodies to function smoothly for those weekend outings or games, as smoothly as a well oiled machine. Instead the lack of a regular exercise routine allows otherwise preventable injuries to occur. All exercise routines should incorporate stretching, strengthening, balance, and cardiopulmonary components, though not necessarily all at the same time. The benefits of a regular routine include not just the obvious but people who exercise regularly have a lower rate of depression, denser stronger bones and as we get older fewer serious falls.

An easy way to know if you are improving the fitness of your heart and lungs is to check your pulse. If it is in the target heart rate zone appropriate for your age then you are exercising effectively.

Remember to check with your medical doctor if you are going to begin a fitness program or if you have any questions about the safety of doing certain exercises. Your maximum heart rate is: "220 - your age" = MHR. Your target heart rate zone "THRZ" while exercising should be in the range of 50% to 75% of your MHR.