If you suffer from underlying health problems, or you’ve sustained an injury, exercise may be the last thing on your mind. Many people assume that rest is the secret to recovery. But often, it’s beneficial to keep moving. Here are some tips to help you stay in shape when you’re carrying an injury, or you’re in pain.
Keep an eye on your eating habits
Healthy eating is always important, but it will become even more pressing when you’re not feeling well, and your capacity to exercise is reduced. Eating well will improve your chances of recovery and prevent you from gaining weight. A healthy plan should include all the major food groups. Limit your intake of fatty, processed, and sugary foods. Increase your consumption of fruit and vegetables and whole grains. Cook at home, rather than eating out. If you struggle for inspiration, or you’re not a master chef, don’t worry. You can use the Internet to find hundreds of simple, healthy recipes within seconds.
If you suffer from underlying health problems, or you’ve sustained an injury, exercise may be the last thing on your mind. Many people assume that rest is the secret to recovery. But often, it’s beneficial to keep moving. Here are some tips to help you stay in shape when you’re carrying an injury, or you’re in pain.
Work on your eating habits
Healthy eating is always important, but it will become even more pressing when you’re not feeling well, and your capacity to exercise is reduced. Eating well will improve your chances of recovery and prevent you from gaining weight. A healthy plan should include all the major food groups. Limit your intake of fatty, processed, and sugary foods. Increase your consumption of fruit and vegetables and whole grains. Cook at home, rather than eating out. Use The Exact Formula for Weight Loss for a customized caloric budget fit to meet your personal needs. If you struggle for inspiration, or you’re not a master chef, don’t worry. You can use the Internet to find hundreds of simple, healthy recipes within seconds.
Image by https://pixabay.com/en/food-salad-beet-healthy-diet-1075228/
Adapt your workouts
If you’re suffering from acute pain following an injury, you’ll probably be advised to rest. But if you have chronic pain, such as lower back pain, it may be possible to adjust your exercise regime.
Once your injury has healed, you can begin to build up the frequency and intensity of your exercise sessions over time. However, depending on the location of your pain, you may need to alter the kind of exercises you do. You may find that walking and swimming are more manageable than a dance or spin class. Swimming is often beneficial for those with back problems and strengthening and stretching your tight/weak areas will likely be recommended by a physical therapist. Yoga and Pilates are two activities that are proven to increase flexibility and mobility, and they also reduce stress. Ask your doctor about suitable activities you can do if you suffer from long-term pain.
For many, arthritis is the culprit that is causing chronic pain. Your arthritic shoulder doesn’t need any more pressure than necessary, so don’t be a hero here! Your body needs you to fill it with nutritious food and to exercise in the safest way possible. An arthritic shoulder doesn’t mean that you won’t be able to workout anymore, it just means that you need to be a little more careful when you do. Speaking to your healthcare professionals is the best thing that you can do to ensure that you are working hard to keep your body moving comfortably. There is no use in trying to workout with an injury, as all you’re going to do is suffer further. Adjust, adapt and be careful; don’t be foolish about your limits. They’re there for a good reason!
Image credit https://www.flickr.com/photos/carollunetta/6365669707
Look into complementary therapies
Do you suffer from pain on a regular basis? If so, there may be therapies and techniques, which could help to make you feel more comfortable. Acupuncture, chiropractic, and massage therapy are all effective treatments for back pain.
Image from https://www.flickr.com/photos/wonderlane/3275117621
Seek advice
If you’re in pain, and you haven’t been to see a doctor yet, book an appointment without delay. It;s important to try and identify a cause before you make the situation worse. Stop exercising until you have spoken to your doctor. You may find that you need to rest and then start working with a physical therapist to build up your strength. Don’t continue to workout if you’re in constant pain. This may only set you back in the long-run.
Most of us experience pain from time to time. But persistent pain shouldn’t be ignored. The nature and severity of pain will dictate how much and what kind of exercise you can do. Sometimes, rest is best. In other cases, keeping moving will speed up your recovery.
