Interview with a bodybuilding expert (6)
Thursday, September 22, 2005
Health
Q - How important is overall health when undertaking a bodybuilding program?
A - Well when it comes to overall health, it's most important that you start a program.
Q - Should you have an overall physical assessment?
A - Well I would say that as long as you are in relatively good shape you're going to be okay. But if you are obese you might not have the best blood pressure because of your weight problem. There are people at the gym who are going to help you fix that. If you have a history of heart or other severe illness, you most certainly want to have a physical assessment before you begin. If you have a bad back or you have your knees run out there are lifts you may not be able to do.
Q - Is there anyone who should not attempt it?
A - Well there is a formula for everybody even if you have a bad back or knees there are still exercise that you can do and the people who work at the gyms will help you with these.
Q - What are some of the common risks and potential injuries associated with bodybuilding?
A - Trying to lift more weight than you should or using bad form, which kind of goes hand in hand. Say someone tries to lift too much weight or curl it and they are swinging it around because they can't lift that much weight. There is always a chance with a risk like that. But I would say that if you are using a weight that is right for you it is relatively safe compared to football or some other sports. You should be fine as long as you aren't lifting too much weight and you are using good form.
Q - Are there any warning signs that a body builder should watch out for that might indicate serious health risks?
A - Yes. I would say that when you're in the weight room and you are getting dizzy doing your lifts you need to sit down and take a break. Maybe lift less weight. If your joints start hurting or your back hurts, you may have pulled your back and that's definitely something you should have checked out.
Q - How important is overall health when undertaking a bodybuilding program?
A - Well when it comes to overall health, it's most important that you start a program.
Q - Should you have an overall physical assessment?
A - Well I would say that as long as you are in relatively good shape you're going to be okay. But if you are obese you might not have the best blood pressure because of your weight problem. There are people at the gym who are going to help you fix that. If you have a history of heart or other severe illness, you most certainly want to have a physical assessment before you begin. If you have a bad back or you have your knees run out there are lifts you may not be able to do.
Q - Is there anyone who should not attempt it?
A - Well there is a formula for everybody even if you have a bad back or knees there are still exercise that you can do and the people who work at the gyms will help you with these.
Q - What are some of the common risks and potential injuries associated with bodybuilding?
A - Trying to lift more weight than you should or using bad form, which kind of goes hand in hand. Say someone tries to lift too much weight or curl it and they are swinging it around because they can't lift that much weight. There is always a chance with a risk like that. But I would say that if you are using a weight that is right for you it is relatively safe compared to football or some other sports. You should be fine as long as you aren't lifting too much weight and you are using good form.
Q - Are there any warning signs that a body builder should watch out for that might indicate serious health risks?
A - Yes. I would say that when you're in the weight room and you are getting dizzy doing your lifts you need to sit down and take a break. Maybe lift less weight. If your joints start hurting or your back hurts, you may have pulled your back and that's definitely something you should have checked out.
