Ask the Doctors | March 2005

Ask the Doctors
By Drs. Jeff, Craig and Marissa

Question: "My doctor suggested that I quit working out. I’m frustrated with my injury, but I also love working out at Curves and don’t want to quit. What should I do?"

Answer: This is a difficult question to answer because your doctor’s recommendation is usually in your best interest. It’s also difficult to give any suggestions because we don’t know exactly how your particular injury is affecting your health and/or workout. However, since we have seen many conditions in practice over the last 5 years, we’ll try to give a general recommendation for some common conditions.The Curves workout is very safe; in fact, I don’t think there is a safer system available. The hydraulic equipment at Curves is very similar to rehabilitation equipment used in a physical therapy facility. Plus, there is always a trainer available to ensure your safety. If you have a sore knee, general osteoarthritis, wrist and/or ankle pain, or even require post-surgery rehabilitation, there is no reason why you should have to stop your workouts. The problem we’ve seen over and over again with our members is that if you quit working out for a month or two, it can be very difficult to get re-motivated after your momentum has stopped. On the contrary, people who have worked through their injuries have shown faster healing and better overall health, since working out improves blood flow, circulation, and your body’s immune response or healing capability.

If your doctor does suggest that you stop working out altogether, then it can’t hurt to ask a few questions. Maybe your doctor simply isn’t aware of all the benefits Curves has to offer, or is unfamiliar with the “low impact and hydraulic” Curves workout.

Simply Ask:

• Why should I quit if using the Curves workout equipment is like using rehab equipment?
  
  
• Did you know that if I’m left to working out at home by myself, I most likely won’t do it?
  
  
• Wouldn’t it be more beneficial for my health if I kept working out?
  
  
• Did you know that the Curves workout is very low impact?
  
  
• Did you know that there is always a trainer in the middle of the circuit or always nearby to ensure the member is working out properly?

You can let your physician know that there are a few additional bonuses at Curves:

• The educated staff can help you modify your workout to ensure that you can rest the area of concern.
  
  
• There are proper stretching procedures before & after your workout that help to minimize injury.

Further recommendations:

• If you have a muscular and/or joint problem, we highly recommend icing the area of soreness after your workout. This is a natural and effective way to get rid of any residual inflammation and bring new blood flow.
  
  
• Remember, if you are unable to walk, sit or stand you probably aren’t ready for any kind of workout.