Feeling the burn doesn’t mean you need to suffer from head to toe. In fact, it’s only with the right amount of workouts (in which you don’t suffer from pain along the way) that your body will improve in endurance, stamina and strength. Did that upper body workout bring you some discomfort (as a result of taking your body to the brink with bicep curls?) or piercing pain? Here’s what to know so that you can maximize each and every workout to your full advantage—in order to minimize those visits to your doctor.
Knowing the Difference Between Stretching and Stressing Your Body
A good workout session will strengthen your body—but a bad workout session with cause your to body to stiffen, tighten or curl into a ball altogether. As you work out, be mindful of the weight you’re putting on your body, and the posture in which you stand, sit or even lie down.
Are you going strong and steady, but feel fatigued? That could signal that you’re not fueling yourself up with enough of a protein pre-workout snack, or that you’re pushing yourself too hard with too much weight throughout. True, you are a machine but your body can’t produce miracles. Bay attention to your body’s signs—and if you have piecing or nagging pain, consult your doctor immediately.
It Hurts From the Beginning
Your body is always sending you messages—especially during times of intense exercise and activity. But are you listening? If you rotate your shoulder and you feel a twinge of shooting pain, should you continue boot camp and just ‘toughen it out?’ Of course not. Your body is the only one you have, and you depend on it to get you from ‘A’ to ‘B’ and back again. Proceed with caution, and go by the following rule: if you start your workout in pain (either sharp or dull pain), proceed with caution. Consult a doctor if it continues.
You’ve Recently Recovered From an Injury
When you suffer from an injury, the recovery time can take longer than you expected. Listen to your body when getting back to your workouts, and start off light. For example, if you used to run five times a week, and you’re recovering from an ACL injury, don’t jump right into the sprints. Start off with a brisk walk and see how that feels. Feels good? Great—next week move it to a light jog. But if it doesn’t feel good, then you know your symptoms may require a quick trip to the doctor—just to be on the safe side, and develop a workout plan that will reduce your risk for injury again.
