Staying Fit in Winter – Dangers in the Gym

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If you frequent a local gym, do you know of the hidden dangers that may be lurking? Here are a few important things Dr. Tina Boucher, foot specialist in Meriden, CT warns that you need to be aware of:

Contagious bacteria – Staph infections can spread from shared equipment, towels, mats and locker rooms. Even a small cut or scrape can allow bacteria to enter and cause an infection. Cover any small injuries you may have, wipe down equipment before using it and always wear shoes in locker rooms.

Weight training woes – Most gyms offer some high intensity classes that draw people in who are eager to get fit. Problems can arise when you are not fit enough to keep up with the instructor or hold proper form when lifting weights. Straining your neck, shoulders and back can lead to serious injury. Find a class suitable to your fitness level and work your way up.

Mystery Machines – Walking into a gym and seeing all the equipment and machine options can be intimidating. Trying to pretend you know what you are doing when you don’t can lead to serious injury as well. Form and technique is very important to make exercise safe and effective so ask an employee or a veteran gym member how to use machines properly.

If going to the gym has exposed you to one of these dangers and you are experiencing foot or ankle pain or a fungal infection, get treatment from Dr. Boucher right away. Call our podiatric office at (203) 238-3668 or visit us online at www.centralctfootcare.com.

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Staying Fit During the Winter: Try the Treadmill!

(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Trying to stay fit during the winter doldrums can be difficult for anyone. Less daylight and cold weather can draw even the best-intentioned runner back inside or back to the couch! Enter the treadmill.

The treadmill is a great way to exercise and is convenient being used in a gym or the comfort of your own home. You can tailor your workout on a treadmill to challenge yourself such as adding an incline to burn more calories and increase muscle toning.

Regular cardiovascular exercise decreases your risk of heart disease or stroke and helps keep cholesterol levels where they need to be. Running outside may be your first choice and many see the treadmill as a “second-rate” option but it still provides many benefits for your health.

Dr. Tina Boucher, foot and ankle specialist in Meriden, CT treats many runners with a variety of foot and ankle problems. Feet and ankles take a serious beating from the stress of pounding hard surfaces on a consistent basis. An advantage of the treadmill is the belt you run on provides a softer surface that absorbs some of the stress from your feet. This can help prevent some of the foot and ankle injuries often seen with runners. 

An important thing to discuss though is whether your running is to train specifically for a race. A treadmill assists a runner a bit so you won’t get an accurate pace as if you were running outside. Feet and ankles are also conditioned differently when running outside which helps for a race.

If you are questioning your foot health or have pain after running, have it treated at our podiatric office as soon as possible. Call Dr. Boucher at (203) 238-3668 to schedule an appointment or visit us at www.centralctfootcare.com.

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