To remain physically fit and healthy, you need to pay attention to a balanced diet and physical activity. Managing these things together is the key to a healthy life. Once you start exercising, you will experience some pain and this is a part of the process when you begin a regimen that puts stress on your body.
Some may find it strange that regular physical activity and pain are interlinked, however, this is natural. The problems arise when it is excessive and needs to be directly addressed in order to avoid further injury.
Whenever you start following a workout, even if it is a beginner-level session, you will experience a certain amount of pain, but that should not hold you back from exercising. Fortunately, there are healthy ways to manage this pain.
This article will teach you how to identify typical pains associated with physical activity and abnormal ones you should be concerned about. Moreover, you will learn tips on how to manage this pain properly and optimize your body towards peak fitness levels.
Physical Pain Management
It’s quite a common saying, “no pain, no gain.” Every athlete, trainer, and gym enthusiast goes through it and it should be expected no matter what your current level of fitness may be. Whether you are weightlifting or performing some basic cardio exercises, you will experience some degree of pain. So, you might as well prepare your mind for it and know that it is all part of the process. Physical exertion is necessary to build stamina, gain muscles, and remain healthy.
While you experience sore muscles and constant pain in the first few days of your workout session, your goals should be your motivation. For instance, if you’re a gym freak, you’d want to build muscles and gain weight. On the other hand, you may have joined the gym to lose access weight. Let your goals drive you through that time.
No doubt, physical exertion is linked with pain and slight discomfort, but it should not be the excruciating kind. It is also essential to know where to draw the line when it comes to your own level of fitness. You should be concerned if it gets any more painful than muscle soreness. Extensive research has proven that you should not have to fight through the pain. You should rest and visit your doctor if the pain lasts more than a day or becomes unbearable.
Tips to Manage Pain
Begin at a Slow Pace
Whether you are a beginner or have been on a break from your workout routine and are starting again, you need to take things slow at first. Choose easy cardio exercises to warm up and pick up the pace later as your body becomes more acclimated. The same rule applies for the duration – begin with twenty minutes a day and gradually move on to thirty after a month or so. You will have to endure immense physical pain if you start with an hour-long heavy workout session.
Keep it Moderate
If you’re exercising to remain healthy, you must remember that exercises don’t need to be strenuous. For instance, a 40-minute jog can give you the same benefits as a 20-minute heavy workout. Try to keep your physical activity to a moderate level, especially if you want to avoid unusual pains.
Getting Sore
As mentioned earlier, you are bound to feel sore when you indulge in physical activities. After exercise, your muscles experience micro tears and mild inflammation. However, these damages are repaired when you rest.
This pain or type of ache is the good kind and you should anticipate it. Accept it as it brings you a step closer to your objective. However, if the pain becomes unbearable, you must discontinue your routine and visit the physician.
Age-Relevant Physical Activities
With age, your immune system weakens, and you become vulnerable to more health problems. For instance, if a 50-year-old woman starts to have blurry or impaired vision, she must purchase a pair of women glasses to prevent it from getting any worse because she may not qualify for surgery at such an age.
Similarly, one must choose physical activities according to their age and condition. The routine you choose should match your body type and physical attributes. It is best to consult a professional trainer.
Listen to Your Body
All kinds of physical activities are followed by pain. However, it is vital to learn how to differentiate between the good and the harmful type of pain. Welcome the post-exercise muscle soreness and exhaustion, as it results in many essential health benefits.