Athletic training keeps the doctor away

By JEANNINE STEIN, LOS ANGELES TIMES, Tuesday, April 19, 2005

The fear of serious injury is why many pro athletes are often looked after like prizewinning thoroughbreds, and why the average person can benefit from aspects of their meticulous training. Pro athletes' conditioning has been modified over the years by trainers and doctors, some basing their programs on research showing how sports-specific training can greatly reduce the risk of injury. Some sports medicine specialists have worked with college and pro teams and can pass along their knowledge of injury prevention to their patients, from proper ways to warm up to sports-specific strength training.

The big mistake most people make is not progressing slowly in their exercise routine, says Dr. William O. Roberts, president of the American College of Sports Medicine. When couch potatoes hit the gym or softball field, they often do too much too fast, he says.

Which is why I'm here reading on the Internet rather than working out... I got a stress fracture of my metacarpals from running too hard too long. - YY