Four Ways to Avoid Acute Pain After A Workout
Most people feel some degree of soreness or pain after a workout. Some amount of soreness is normal after a workout, especially if you are new to working out. However, most pain and soreness can be prevented through following these tips.
Stretch – No, Really Stretch
The advice to stretch thoroughly before and after a workout is often said millions of times, but not that many people actually do it. Stretching before and after your workout is a great way to prevent pain and injury.
Stretching before your workout helps loosen the muscles and increase your full range of motion. Stretching after your workout will then help slow muscle soreness, and it just feels good after a hard workout.
Don’t Skip the Warm-up Either
Not only is it common for people to skip the stretching part of the workout, but they are also quick to skip the warm-up. Warm-up does include some stretching, but it is important for the warm-up to include 5-10 minutes of light cardiovascular exercise, such as jogging, riding a bike, or a fast walk. This gets the blood flowing and helps your body pump nutrients to your muscles.
Hydrate Well
Water is crucial to every part of your body, especially while you work out. Staying hydrated will also help reduce acute pain after a workout. Many times muscle cramps occur from your body being dehydrated. Getting enough water is also important for your muscle cells too.
Have Good Technique
When it comes to working out and preventing pain, there is no room for pride and poor technique. Keep proper form while exercising, and if you don’t know what the proper form is, don’t be too prideful to ask for help. It is better to feel embarrassed now and prevent injury then to feel embarrassed later when you injured yourself.
Remember to also go to the gym for you, not to impress others. Running faster on the treadmill or lifting a heavier weight than you are used to will not impress anyone and can lead to pain and injury.
Getting into the habit of working out is an important and healthy one. By working out, you are helping your body be the healthiest that it can be, and you are also preventing chronic back pain and other pain conditions. Stop by The Joint after your workout for a wellness adjustment that can help you feel great and prevent pain and injury after the gym.