Since when does it become a discussion of how fit a person is for them to have or not have an electric reel.
When someone says:
your body is bound to have wear and tear from repetitive movements
Tosh,
Repetitive strain is well documented surely? Office workers can often get carpel tunnel or bad wrists from typing all day, that’s one end of the spectrum for rsi.
For us, doing the exact same movements day in and day out is bound to take its toll.
I agree the body needs worked, and a seditary life style isn’t good. The best balance would be physical exercise, and the easiest and lightest work day as possible. Work isn’t really exercise, yes it burns some calories, but it’s not exertion, just wear and tear.
Have a look at someone has done manual work there whole life, there knees, elbows, backs are usually in a real state.
Was talking to the carpet fitter last week, (had new carpet fitted in spare room) and he was saying all the fitters are shot to bits. There knees, fingers and lower backs. Most retire in there 50’s because they just can’t carry on.
Same with some builders, a lot of them suffer from wear and tear.
Then there’s someone like my dad, 60, in good health and shape, but didn’t have a manual job. Though he did train in be gym most of his life and was a bit of a fitness fanatic. This has kept him healthy. Had he been a carpet fitter, I’m sure he’d be suffering in some way from RSI.
So I tend to agree, certain jobs aren’t really beneficial for mobility, they cause strain.
I’m now stretching daily to keep limber, and having a sports massage monthly for the back. I think we need to look after our muscles in this type of work, keeping on top of the niggles is key.
I do also agree with tosh, running is actually good for you, but probably not so helpful if your a carpet fitter as well