FITNESS
Your workout questions answered Hi Philip, I had knee arthroscopy carried out in November 2008 which found a "bucket handle tear" of my cartilage, minor damage to both condyles (at least I think that is the correct term) and found the cruciate ligament a little soft but intact. After the procedure, I felt fine and did not need crutches, I was able to begin light gym training 9 days after the operation. I still train 2-3 times a week in the gym but find that I cannot jog without pain in the front of the knee, where both the incisions were made. Is this normal to experience pain when I jog, and if so, how much? If possible, could you give me some advice on what I should be able to do and when? I am 37 years old and realise that age may be against me, but I have always maintained high levels of fitness through running and hurling at a high level, which I am eager to maintain.
joints in general. You would appear to be jogging indoors I presume on a treadmill but I would recommend that you use low or non impact exercise methods for the moment which again will further reduce wear and tear on your knees. Examples of these would be the cross trainer, bike, rower and stepper. You could back this up with a full body weight training/strengthening program which will help to improve muscle strength, increase the stabilization of your joints and control your body fat levels. Swimming would be another suitable form of exercise in your present situation. Finally I would ask if you have been back to visit your surgeon as this would be the first port of call in order to report your continuing symptoms. He/she will advise you on whether a conservative treatment approach of exercise or another surgical procedure in advance of that is advisable. Philip
Thanks Jason
Hello Jason, A bucket handle tear of the cartilage (or the meniscus) is a specific form of damage around the outer rim of the cartilage usually caused by a history of trauma or impact. You mentioned that you played hurling in the past and I expect that you sustained many injuries while playing these games. I also observe that you were very specific in relation to when exactly you were able to resume training after the surgery which would indicate to me that you were trying to get back to your training as quickly as possible. This would normally be a positive thing but I wonder did you give the knee enough time to settle down after this invasive procedure? Because you are now 37 years old I expect that your hurling involvement will be reducing or may even stop. This may not be a bad thing for the health of your knees and may allow you to concentrate on activities which are less stressful on your
From the measurements that you have supplied your body fat is at a low level and your Body Mass Index (BMI) is 22 which is in the centre of the healthy range of 20-25. There are usually two potential explanations for the extra fat in the chest area. The first could be inappropriate exercise and eating habits. According to the outline of your lifestyle that you have given it would appear that you are a regular exerciser and eat a healthy diet so at first glance this would not seem to be the problem. You also appear not to be carrying excess fat in other areas of the body. Another potential reason for extra fat in the chest area is the presence of a condition known as gynecomastia which results in the development of a larger than normal chest area. Gynecomastia is a condition that occurs mainly in teenage boys where they develop extra tissue in the breast region. This is usually lost with age. The condition can also affect older men and can be caused by certain medical issues but in most cases is as a result of extra body weight/fat.
Hi Philip, I have a problem with my chest. I have some chest fat than I cannot lose. I go to the gym about 3 times a week, and do mostly weight training. I have been doing weight training for about a year now. I am 17 years old, of muscular build with 12% body fat, 5.11 in height, 11.3 stone. My chest feels very fatty even though I am slim. I have a very good diet but cannot seem to shift this fat. Can you give me advice on how to lose it please? I have tried cardio and it does not seem to work.
I would recommend that you make an appointment to see your GP in order to rule out any medical reason for the presence of your extra chest fat tissue. If all proves to be clear then you would need to revisit your exercise program and eating habits in order to improve the quality of these. Philip
Thank you. James
Hello James,
Send your questions to:- info@lifeandfitnessmag.com Food~Fact: Always start the day with a breakfast - providing the body with energy and get up and go. Fact: breakfast skippers tend to be fatter than breakfast eaters and have a lower concentration during the mornings.
10 - Life and Fitness Magazine - May 2009