Finding balance

American Fitness, March-April, 2003 by Rajan Dalal

I recently subscribed to American Fitness and think it is a wonderful magazine. I read your editorial, "Wear and Tear: Why Your Clients are Hurting More," in the November/December 2002 issue and agree that in order to prevent injuries it is important to balance exercise programs.

In 1998, I took my advance physical fitness specialist course at The Cooper Institute for Aerobics Research in Dallas, Texas. Since 1990, I have run a fitness center in Ahmedabad, India. We do fitness rests and deliver talks on the subject. I would like to relate what I have observed during all these years, particularly while talking to walkers' club members. Walking can, in the long run, cause knee injury if not supported by other strengthening exercises for the hamstrings and quadriceps.

Also, I would like to mention a test carried out by Tufts University and The Cooper Institute. A group of people, average age 90 years and dependent upon others to do their daily chores for them, underwent strength-training exercises for three months. Most of them regained their strength and some started doing their own work.

During the 1970s, walking for cardiovascular benefit was recommended and, as a result, many people received knee replacements during the mid-'80s. I would like to know if I am wrong in my understanding.

Rajan Dalal

Ahmedabad, India

Editor's Reply

How nice to hear from you. We are happy you're enjoying your new subscription to American Fitness. Congratulations on completing such expert fitness training.

Yes, I believe your thoughts are correct. We are discovering endurance exercises, such as walking, without strength training can lead to damage in the joints as well as surrounding ligaments and tendons. It sounds like you have a good instinct for fitness!

I am very fond of India, its people and philosophies. Look for my regular column in The Hindu on Sundays--I'm known as Peg Jordan in India. Why not let us know about some of your facility's fitness programs? We could share them with our readers. Thanks for writing!

Meg Jordan, Ph.D., R.N. Editor, American Fitness