Weak’End Warrior – Achilles Heel..!
When Achilles’ mother, Thetis, dipped her infant son - the future Greek hero - into the river Styx to make him immortal, she held him by the heel, leaving that single spot vulnerable. This act created his well-known weakness, the “Achilles” heel. Years later, during the Trojan War, Paris shot an arrow into that very spot outside the city walls of Troy, which led to his death.
Today, the Achilles tendon, the largest tendon in the human body, is particularly vulnerable in weekend warriors. Rupture, or a complete tear of the Achilles tendon, occurs most frequently among middle-aged recreational athletes who are pushing too hard to get in shape.
Running, an inexpensive and convenient form of exercise, is the most common cause. Many Australians, for instance, enjoy going for a run. Running is a part of their lives. But weekend runs without proper gear, or by people who are out of condition and chasing quick weight loss or fitness, can lead to serious injuries.
So, before lacing up those shoes, it’s worth pausing to consider whether your body is ready for the strain.
PS: Warm up properly before exercise – stretch and strengthen your calves and ankles – wear the right footwear with good support – increase your activity gradually rather than pushing too hard at once – listen to your body – and remember, pain is a warning, not a challenge!
Zareer Patell
#AchillesHeel #WeekendWarrior #RunningInjury #AchillesTendon #WarmUpStretch #InjuryPrevention
Zareer Patell – Black Belt, Fitness / Personal Trainer, Consultant on Call, and Wellness Columnist (since 1972).
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