This story is all over the internet, so I’ll just add my two cents. While Senator Harry Reid was exercising with an exercise band, it broke, hit his eye, causing him to lose his balance, and take a bad fall.  He hit his head on nearby equipment, breaking bones near his right eye.  He was also diagnosed with a concussion, and broken ribs.  As of today, medical reports say that he may lose vision in his right eye.

CAN AN EXERCISE BAND CAUSE BODILY INJURY?

Indeed it can.  In fact, any type of exercise equipment can cause injury if not used carefully.

Elastic bands seem innocuous, because they’re non-imposing, they don’t intimidate, they almost look like a child’s toy.

OLDER ADULTS AND EXERCISE BANDS

Senator Reid is 75 years old.  He was standing while exercising with an elastic band.

Either he pulled the band beyond a safe range, causing it to snap, or the band may have been overused, and should have been replaced.  He then lost his balance, and fell head first onto exercise equipment in his home gym.

Persons over 65 should use great care while exercising to prevent accidents.  Loss of balance is more likely  in an older adult.

HOW NOT TO USE AN EXERCISE BAND

• Do not pull the band beyond its’ capacity, causing it to break.

  

• Don’t use the band while standing, if you think you might lose your balance during exercise..
• Don’t hold the band near your face, especially close to your eyes.  If it breaks, you can suffer an eye injury.
• Don’t use the band if you have long fingernails, because they can puncture the band with holes, causing the band to break while in use.
• Don’t wear jewelry while using the band,  to avoid puncturing the band.
• Don’t let your kids play with the bands.  Elastic bands are not toys.
• Don’t allow distractions while you’re exercising with bands, and all other equipment.  Stay focused on what you’re doing.
• Don’t store your exercise bands near heat or sun.  Store them in a cool, dry place.
• Keep the bands away from dogs and cats to prevent injury to your animals.
• Replace bands after extended use.

Copyright 2015 Irene Pastore, and Tour de Core Personal Training.