CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- Dear Cindy,

Thank you for writing on health and fitness issues. I am a little troubled by your "Leaning on rails and handles is terrible technique and counterproductive" statement in a previous column. In the best of all worlds where we had no limitations, I would agree that holding on could be terrible technique. But counterproductive? No way.

In 1996, I hurt my right knee skiing. Since then I have lost a good portion of my balance and have difficulty walking. About a year ago I started working out. There were many objectives, but the prime one was to lose weight with the hope that my blood pressure would drop below 120.

The method I chose was endurance training. The treadmill was chosen with the hope that walking would improve also. There was no way I could have started without holding on, it was all I could do to walk at 2.5 miles an hour and stay on the treadmill. Also, holding on plus a little treadmill elevation took some weight off the right knee.

In less than 6 months, along with watching my diet, I dropped a little over 30 pounds and have a blood pressure of 118 over 82. I still hold the handrails now 13 months into training. I can jog for 15 minutes, sprint at 7 miles per hour and walk hands-off at 3.5 miles per hour, and am just starting to jog and sprint hands-off.

There is no question that holding on or leaning on the handles takes less effort than hands-off, but without using those handles I doubt that I could have made the improvements in weight loss and lowering blood pressure. Thank you. -- Frank

Dear Frank,

I appreciate your letter and am happy to know you are interested in form and fitness. Space constraints sometimes prevent me from elaborating on subjects; I would like to try to clarify.

The statement you reference was from a column about cardiovascular exercise. It outlined a few important instructions regarding form and safety. It read, "To make the most of your cardio workouts, don't compromise your posture. Stand up straight. Pull shoulders back and down. Leaning on rails and handles is terrible technique and counterproductive. Stair steppers are filled with people who cheat their way through their workout with short, abbreviated steps -- range of motion is important ..."

CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- Dear Cindy,

Thank you for writing on health and fitness issues. I am a little troubled by your "Leaning on rails and handles is terrible technique and counterproductive" statement in a previous column. In the best of all worlds where we had no limitations, I would agree that holding on could be terrible technique. But counterproductive? No way.

In 1996, I hurt my right knee skiing. Since then I have lost a good portion of my balance and have difficulty walking. About a year ago I started working out. There were many objectives, but the prime one was to lose weight with the hope that my blood pressure would drop below 120.

The method I chose was endurance training. The treadmill was chosen with the hope that walking would improve also. There was no way I could have started without holding on, it was all I could do to walk at 2.5 miles an hour and stay on the treadmill. Also, holding on plus a little treadmill elevation took some weight off the right knee.

In less than 6 months, along with watching my diet, I dropped a little over 30 pounds and have a blood pressure of 118 over 82. I still hold the handrails now 13 months into training. I can jog for 15 minutes, sprint at 7 miles per hour and walk hands-off at 3.5 miles per hour, and am just starting to jog and sprint hands-off.

There is no question that holding on or leaning on the handles takes less effort than hands-off, but without using those handles I doubt that I could have made the improvements in weight loss and lowering blood pressure. Thank you. -- Frank

Dear Frank,

I appreciate your letter and am happy to know you are interested in form and fitness. Space constraints sometimes prevent me from elaborating on subjects; I would like to try to clarify.

The statement you reference was from a column about cardiovascular exercise. It outlined a few important instructions regarding form and safety. It read, "To make the most of your cardio workouts, don't compromise your posture. Stand up straight. Pull shoulders back and down. Leaning on rails and handles is terrible technique and counterproductive. Stair steppers are filled with people who cheat their way through their workout with short, abbreviated steps -- range of motion is important ..."

Please understand I am not saying that people should not use handles or handrails. They are designed to be there and have a purpose such as you pointed out -- balance. I was referring to those who lean forward and rely too heavily on them. Holding on and using them for balance as you do is proper form and not counterproductive.

What is counterproductive is an exerciser who spends three hours a week bent forward and leaning on handles because they are compromising their back, neck and wrists to strengthen the legs and heart. I have witnessed exercisers who place their elbows on the handrails and lean forward. Let me emphasize that leaning on and holding on are two entirely different things.

You are doing wonderfully, Frank, and holding on for balance is completely acceptable. Keep up the good work. You've made great strides based on what you shared of your workouts. Thanks for the feedback, which allows me to clarify.

Candy alert

Speaking of counterproductive, it's time to step away from the leftover Halloween candy. If you are trying to do the right thing and moving your body regularly, you deserve a few treats. The trick is to not work your way into a candy-eating frenzy.

I used to rationalize it in my own candy-craving way and vow that I would indulge until it was all eaten and then try to work harder in the gym. Well, the trick was on me, because I always forgot to pay off the candy debt.

Actually, it's a little scary to learn how many calories are in those cute little candy bars and treats, but here's just a taste:

Not such a sweet deal is it?

Cindy Boggs, fitness presenter, author and Activate America director, has been an ACE-certified coordinator/instructor since 1989. Send your questions about fitness, training or health to YMCA of Kanawha Valley, 100 YMCA Drive, Charleston, WV 25311, or e-mail cindys...@aol.com. Look for Cindy's award winning fitness advice book, "CindySays ... You Can Find Health in Your Hectic World" on her Web site www.cindysays.com or contact the YMCA at 340-3527.