Exercising to get healthier is pointless if a preventable injury knocks you out of commission.
Lee Rowe, the manager of OIC Fitness Club in Orange, said he has seen many people reverse a physical transformation by getting hurt due to using improper form while working out. He said the goal at his gym, formerly known as Eagle Peak Fitness, is to show everyone the proper technique for each machine and routine.
Rowe said it is critical to stretch or warm up before exercising. Time on an exercise bike or treadmill can make all the difference in the world. Rowe said 40 percent of his club’s members age 55 or older are the most diligent about preparation, “and I never go a week without seeing them.”
He said it surprises people to learn so many get injured doing bodyweight exercises, such as lunges, when your body weight is your only resistance while working out.
“Lunges are challenging for a lot of people because it’s going to depend on their flexibility levels and their muscle composition,” he said, “but, for the most part, when you do a lunge, you want your front foot not to go too far out, and when you drop your weight, you want your knee to stay above your ankle.
“If you watch, a lot of people will lean forward so their knee is over their toes, so now you’re straining. All that pressure’s going on your knees,” he continued. “So when you try to come back up, as you push off, your toes are going to try to shoot through your sneaker and your knee’s taking all that weight.”
The fitness club is on the second floor of the Orange Innovation Center at 131 West Main St. More information is available at www.oicfitnessclub.com.