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Sheila Shares

Fitness Isn't Always the Answer

Founder of The Oaks at Ojai

What! You can’t solve all of life’s problems by working out and being fit? I know for some fitness-addicts that may sound like dangerous talk, but it’s true. When I’m teaching classes at the spas, lecturing aboard the fitness cruises and talking with other fitness professionals, it often seems like being fit is the solution for everything from a broken fingernail to an unbalanced government budget.

There are times when working out at your sport or routine is NOT the answer. Take these tips to heart and stay healthy.

*Don’t exercise when you’re injured. Pain is the body’s way of shouting or whispering, “Hey, you. Yes, you. Stop hurting me and give me some attention.” The problem, too often, is that we ignore that voice of reason and keep running, walking or cycling. Physicians who specialize in helping people with sports injuries tell their patience about RICE. That’s a trick way of remembering when you’re in pain to Rest, use Ice, apply Compression and Elevate…RICE. And I’d like to add seek medical help. If it’s a run-of-the-mill boo-boo, okay, treat it for a day or so yourself. But be honest. You know when you need to see the doctor. Don’t wait. You’ll only make it worse and the recovery could be longer.

*Don’t workout when you’re ill. If you’re running a fever, have nasal congestion or a cough, suffering with a stomach upset, or generally feel like you’re “coming down with something,” play it safe and don’t workout. If you’re getting over that yucky feeling, then do half of your regular routine to see how you feel. The next day, if you’re better, continue where you left off. If you’re the same, cut back until you do feel well.

*Don’t workout if you’re emotionally upset. I love to tell people to walk away from mild depression, PMS, stress and other upsets that life throws our way. But may I be honest? If you’re feeling angry, troubled or in a big blue funk and have been for a few days, please don’t exercise. Rather, find a friend, a loved one or perhaps a therapist to talk to. Working out when you’re emotionally battered could cause you to physically injure yourself.

*Don’t workout when it’s HOT (or too cold). Plan your work out at a time when you’re comfortable outdoors. That could mean you’ll want to get up an hour early before it’s terribly warm to walk. Or join a fitness center so that you can have a strenuous workout without fighting the elements. If you decide to work out when the weather is a factor, make sure to drink plenty of water, carry some with you, too. Wear clothing that can be layered and removed, as you get warm or added back on when you cool down. Use sunscreen on all your body.

*Don’t tempt fate. Pilots and sea captains file information about their “flight plans.” If you love to hike or run in the woods or in isolated spots, let others know where you’re headed and about what time you should be back. Accidents happen. Carrying a cell phone is great idea, but sometimes in those out-of-the-way spots, there may not be good phone connections.

*Don’t work out where you’re not safe. If you just need to run after work, or do something active to control the stress, your neighborhood park or sidewalk may not be the answer, especially if you feel vulnerable for any reason. There are wonderful exercise DVDs and videos that supply a solid exercise program so that you don’t have to beat the pavement to exercise. OR find a friend and walk with a buddy, if your neighborhood IS safe. Walking at dusk? Wear light-colored clothing and always carry ID.

*Don’t work out (yet) when you’re unsure of your fitness level. Yes, that means do not start running for fives miles if you’ve spent the last six months warming the couch. If you’re not at a comfortable weight, are not normally active with a sport or fitness routine, or are recovering from a medical procedure or pregnancy, begin a fitness program very slowly. What is slowly? It could mean walking for two blocks, climbing a flight of stairs, riding your bicycle for twenty minutes. Talk with your doctor; he or she can help you choose a good beginning plan to get and stay fit. Also, consider taking a fitness vacation by going to a health spa, such as the Oaks at Ojai or the Palms at Palm Springs. With lots of fitness classes and healthy food choices, a spa vacation will get you on the road to fit and trim.

*Activate, and be wise. The body needs to move and be challenged to be strong, flexible and youthful in order to stay fit for life.

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Sheila Cluff, fitness expert, television celebrity and owner of The Oaks at Ojai, is the author of Take 5: How You Can Benefit from Just Five Minutes of Daily Exercise and The Ultimate Recipe for Fitness by Sheila and Eleanor Brown. Visit Sheila's Spa on the Internet and see all that's happening at the resort: The Oaks at Ojai www.oaksspa.com.