There are literally thousands of exercises from which one can choose, but they must be chosen carefully because not all exercises are good for all people. Some exercises should be avoided because there is some risk of injury. We term these exercises “questionable” or “hazardous”. Some of these exercises so drastically violate the mechanics of the human frame that they are dangerous and should never be used by anyone.

Studies indicate that many fitness centers and health clubs do not employ properly trained instructors. Those most likely to be qualified to advise you about exercise have college degrees and four to eight years of study in such courses as anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, preventive and therapeutic exercise, and physiology of exercise these qualified individuals are most likely to be physical educators, biomechanists, kinesiotherapists, and physical therapists. On-the-job training, a certificate, a good physique or figure, or good athletic or dancing ability are not sufficient qualifications for teaching or advising about exercise. 

If you have had knowledgeable instructors, you may recognize some questionable exercises, but others listed here may set off a protest such as. “I’ve been doing that all my life and it never has hurt me!”This concept explains the difference between individually prescribed exercise and mass prescription; what is good for you may not be good for me. The difference between microtrauma and acute injury, and the significance of the number of repetition, will also be disused. Exercises that are believed to be potentially hazardous for most people are presented with the reasons for classifying them as such. Safer alternative exercises are suggested. The old saying “when in doubt, don’t it” is a good philosophy when choosing exercises, because there are always safer, effective alternative exercises for any specific muscle group.

 Individual Prescription 

In the clinical setting, a therapist works with one patient. A case history is take and tests made to determine which muscles are weak or strong, short or long. Exercises are then prescribed for that specific person. The patient is supervised in the correct execution of the exercises. For example, in a back-care program for an individual with lumbar lordosis, back hyper extension exercises might safe exercise includes performing activates of daily living properly. Be contraindicated. However, another client might have a flat lumbar spine with limited range of motion, in which case, a set of back hyper extension exercises would be indicated. Thus, the classification of exercises in this concept does not necessarily apply to the setting where individual prescription is done by a qualified professional. A qualified professional is one who is expert in applied anatomy, kinesiology, therapeutic exercise, and functional tests as well as and chronic conditions. Typically, this includes physical therapists, kinesiotherapists, biomechanists, and physical educators with graduate specialization in corrective/remedial/therapeutic physical education.

 Mass prescription

 When a physical educator aerobics instructor or coach leads a group of people in exercises, or a book or magazine describes a great exercise to “slim and trim” and all participants in the group or all readers perform the same exercise, this is a mass prescription. There is little if any consideration for individual differences except perhaps some allowance made in the number of repetitions or the amount of weight (resistance) used. Some of the exercises that would be appropriate for an individual would not be appropriate for all individuals in the group. Since it is not practical to prescribe individually for everyone, it is necessary to consider what the needs of the majority may be and choose the least harmful (but most effective) exercises for the group.

Dr. Parthiban

Physiotherapist

9699321205