Fit for crashing

[chris]

This is kind of strange, but my superfit friend never gets hurt when he wrecks, and it seems like every time I go over I sprain, break or bruise something bad. Is this about fitness or luck?

[Roxy]

Especially if your fit friend has some muscle on his frame. Consider this: Two guys of about equal size are cruising down a mountain.

Simultaneously, they hit a patch of wet leaves and skid into a sidelong crash. Instinctively, both men stick out their right legs to cushion the fall. Man 1 rides often and hits the gym regularly for squats and leg presses to keep those knee-supporting muscles strong. Man 2 just rides his bike every Sunday. Which guy's knee is more likely to wrench in the fall? You get the picture. Strong muscles stabilize joints and make you less likely to get hurt.

Plus, muscle is strong, thick tissue so it acts as a buffer to cushion the blows you take from the mountain.