So now, what about fears? Will an exercise hurt? Is it dangerous? What if an exercise is done the “wrong” way? For a person in pain, these questions are paramount.

For the first few months of working with Bernie Falk I was full of misgivings. I questioned every exercise. I hardly believed that more of any exercise was better. If I did 100 Forward Bends without hurting, I was relieved, but certainly not keen to do another 100. If I did another 100, I would again be relieved to have made it. Looking back, they never hurt at all. Only now do I really believe they are safe.

Interestingly, except for one minor pulled muscle doing Chest Curls, no exercise ever hurt me in any way. Keep in mind that Bernie Falk did not suggest Jump Rope for a couple of weeks or jogging for three months. I had to build a minimal strength before attempting these. In my initial state, it was unthinkable. Even when Bernie did suggest them, I must say that I was still surprised.

As for fears that an exercise will hurt, I offer these thoughts.

My exercises did not hurt.

My physical inability to go on, not pain, ultimately limited my number of repetitions. Exercises that are based on beneficial movement patterns are the safest exercises one can do. Fears about choosing the “wrong” exercise or doing an exercise the “wrong” way are, in a sense, misleading issues. An exercise that is tailored to one’s problems is on the right track. The goal is to do it effortlessly.

Selection of Exercises:

Disclaimer:

I am not a qualified physician. As with all exercise programs, when using these routines and examples shown, you need to use common sense. To reduce and avoid injury, you may want to check with your doctor before beginning any fitness program. By performing these exercises, you are performing them at your own risk. Theoryofexercise.com will not be responsible or liable for any injury or harm you sustain as a result of this information shared on this website.