Print Email Share

Don't:

• Lock your knees when your legs are supporting the weight (or your elbows during upper-body work).
• Pick up any weights off the floor by bending over with straight legs.
• Fatigue your abdominal ("core") muscles before completing other exercises, particularly when using free weights or resistance bands.
• Work the same muscle groups two consecutive days.
• Hold your breath while doing resistance work.
• Unduly twist your back or spine when doing any resistance work.
• Perform sit-ups with your back straight (instead, curl forward).
• Sacrifice your form just to add more weight, resistance, or repetitions.
• Continue with an exercise if you feel a sharp or immediate pain in any joint or muscle.
• Worry about how much you are lifting — instead, focus on making sure that you do resistance training at least once a week.

Sign up for the Diabetes "Fit Brain, Fit Body!" fitness/lifestyle programs or for 5 free Healthy Living Reports at www.lifelongexercise.com, and access more articles and information at www.shericolberg.com. If you need tips for getting safely started on an exercise program, check out The 7 Step Diabetes Fitness Plan. For people with any type of diabetes who are already more active, consult the Diabetic Athlete's Handbook.

Read Sheri's bio here.

Read more of Sheri Colberg-Och's columns.

NOTE: The information is not intended to be a replacement or substitute for consultation with a qualified medical professional or for professional medical advice related to diabetes or another medical condition. Please contact your physician or medical professional with any questions and concerns about your medical condition.