This is an excellent question and a reason that many individuals struggle with when attempting to begin an exercise program.
One of the 1st things I ask when someone poses this question is – tell me more about what it feels like? Does it feel like muscle soreness or something else? Is it a pain or “your pain”?
For many individuals it is just a pain (or soreness) but because they have not exercised before or lately they are not sure. For some they are recovering from an injury or are dealing with chronic pain, may not be quite sure what they feel…or if it is good or bad. Still others may be worried that it will make their issue worse.
In truth, exercise is good for almost any condition one can imagine. The exact exercise or program just needs to be calibrated to the person (and/or the issue they are recovering from).
To help guide decision making – Here are a few guidelines to consider…
#1 When beginning a new exercise program it is ok for the muscles to get sore (even 1-2 days later). This is a normal good thing and will improve by continuing to exercise. If a person gets sore and then does not exercise again until the soreness is gone, they cycle will continue, likely frustrating the individual. If you experience this, make sure to move your body, even walking to help get the blood pumping and attempt to speed the process of easing the soreness.
#2 If nervous about getting too sore, start slow. Do 50-75% of what you think you can do and stop there for the 1st few days. By gradually getting into a new program, it is possible to mitigate some of the soreness factor that tends to bother people.
#3 Motion is Lotion and Hurt DOES NOT EQUAL Harm – This may be the most important point right here. Our bodies are made to move, so move them. Sitting and doing less is not a good thing. Not only that but movement gets the blood pumping- this is good for your heart, lungs, brain, and yes even if recovering from some injury. Our muscles, joints, and tissues are very resilient and even not easily harmed. The body simply is not that fragile even though it may seem that way at times.
Our lack of movement and fear of activity after an injury actually makes the body more sensitive. Thus normal stimulus or activity doesn’t feel good. By moving and not focusing on those feelings – it is possible to turn those feelings back down to a normal level.
The bottom line is movement and exercise are good. If the exercise is recreating the pain, it may be necessary to back down the intensity, time spent, or change the activity. BUT it is still important to exercise through soreness that may present.
Should you have more questions, please Inquire HERE.