Warmer weather is approaching. So many individuals are ready to get outside and get started on an exercise program.
Nesin Therapy Services teamed up with Fleet Feet Sports this week to help encourage beginning runners on their way to completing their first 5k.
Dr. Janine Nesin of Nesin Therapy Services, conducted a seminar for the participants in the "No Boundaries" program.
Nesin addressed common injuries, injury prevention and stretching.
Joining Nesin were five of the clinic's 18 therapists: Michelle Nesin, Janet Nesin, Bridget Dietz, Gloria Favor and Cindy Martin. The therapists worked with small groups of the runners following Nesin's message to address specific stretches and problems that individual runners were facing.
"No Boundaries" is a program sponsored by both New Balance and Fleet Feet Sports that focuses on beginning runners; however, all levels of both runners and walkers are welcome. The program has been developed to help individuals cross the finish line of a 5k in less than three months. Coaching, advice, nutritional information and educational clinics are all a part of this 12-week program.
In her presentation, Nesin noted "The majority of people who run neglect to warm-up, cool down and stretch, increasing their risk of injury."
She explained that the time runners may think they are saving by skipping these steps they potentially lose being injured. Nesin emphasized to the participants, "General guidelines state that stretching and a slow pace of an activity for 5-10 minutes before and 10 to 15 minutes following an activity is recommended." Also crucial to injury prevention are adequate rest, hydration and the right gear for your body. Dr. Nesin spent a portion of her time explaining several of the common injuries that can occur when embarking on a running program. Injuries discussed were shin splints, plantar fasciitis, patellofemoral pain and back pain. Nesin emphasized paying attention to symptoms as they arise rather than allowing a problem to become more complex. The runners and walkers in the "No Boundaries" program are working towards the Cotton Row 5k as their first race. The race takes place May 26, 2008.
Thanks to the staff at Nesin Therapy Services, these participants should be well equipped with the necessary advice to stay on track, remain injury free and ready to cross the finish line.
