What a PAIN!

by John Murphy, Founder, Make 100 Healthy

It always seems to happen. You’re in a groove and making gains. You’re in a good place mentally and physically. You feel strong and vibrant. And then… you injure yourself and feel pain!

Setbacks are part of the ongoing journey for health and fitness. It’s frustrating to take time off to nurse yourself back to health. It’s a fine balance between giving your body rest and time to heal versus losing the routine that has helped you improve your strength, stamina and wellness.

It’s happened to me more times than I’d like to admit. The pain of a strained back or pulled hamstring can make you feel old and feeble quickly. However, I’ve found that taking a good amount of time to heal has allowed me to come back and function at a top level again.

I’ve regretted rushing back too soon and have re-injured myself. It’s usually worse and more painful. I’ve learned to listen to my body and err on the side of caution.

When you’re in pain, it’s hard to enjoy your day. It’s difficult to do daily activities. It can be a self-fulfilling prophecy because inactivity can make you feel worse.

How can you avoid or reduce pain and injuries while still being active and keeping a challenging fitness program? Here’s a few tips to help reduce pain.

* Always stretch before and after exercise.

* Stay hydrated

* Listen to your body and follow its direction!

* Consider acupuncture, massage and hot tub soaking.

While we can never eliminate pain or injury, we can put our bodies in the best position to stay strong and vibrant by pacing ourselves. One way to reduce pain is to keep moving. Even if you don’t exercise formally, walking helps your muscles, circulation, respiratory system and your brain health.

Many times, we feel pain and tightness. Rather than suffer chronic pain, make the commitment to keep your body in motion. A lazy person will feel more pain than an active person (unless it’s from an injury).

Pain can be a result of a sedentary lifestyle, so take the opportunity to reduce pain by incorporating some of these tips. You will feel better and suffer less pain because of it.

by Aymee Wilson, Owner & Founder, Wilson Aesthetics