Working out while injured: 3 things to remember

If you are using injuries as a reason to not work out, you are doing yourself a great disservice. But if you want to continue working out while injured, you have to consider these three things to ensure you do so safely and stay fit.

The fact is that while it is not easy to exercise with any aches and pains, especially as you get older, it is more about changing your attitude to working out. Whether you are experiencing ongoing issues with one small part of your body or have several different problems, the details below show how you don’t have to ignore fitness despite these pesky pains.

1. You have control over your life, not your injuries

There are many excuses to use not to exercise. Some people blame things like work or external issues for missing the occasion workout, and it can slowly take over life and become the main reason not to be active at all.

When you have an injury, it’s another reason to add to the pile. But, the reality is that if you look at one little problem you have, such as a problem with your wrist or ankle, there are several things that can help you overcome the problem.

For example, many makers of compression stockings manufacture a wide variety of accessories to help with aches and pains. Once you start to realize that your injury is one you can work around and changes how you exercise but won’t stop it altogether, you regain control over your life.

2. Working out while injured: Focus on what you can do

Something that you must remember when trying to work out with ongoing injuries is that you must stick to your limits. The truth is that if you do a bit of exercising, it is better than doing none at all.

When you experience ongoing pain, you may feel that it’s not worth continuing to exercise in case the activity worsens the problem. But it’s crucial to realize that you set your own benchmarks.

When you see other people deadlifting or working out with extreme weights, remember they are in a different place in their journey and they had to start the same way everyone does.

Everybody begins their fitness path somewhere. When you have an injury, it’s just an extra hurdle to jump over. Yes, you can get past it. Focus on doing what you can do, rather than any limitations.

3. Remember the fundamentals

This point relates to the previous one. When you start to exercise, you might think you need to master the activity immediately.

But, the reality is that if you are to experience the long-term benefits of any exercise, you’ve got to make sure you must have the basics before everything else. For example, learning how to breathe properly, focusing on your balance and your core, and making sure that you perform exercises with the right form.

Working out with ongoing pains and injuries is not a reason to stop working out. Instead, ask your doctor what you are able to do movement-wise and how to do it properly so that it won’t worsen your injury.

I cannot stress enough that you must have your doctor’s approval before doing any type of fitness when you have an injury. Aches and pains are not something to make light of as they indicate your body is trying to tell you something.

Final words on working out while injured

You can always exercise around these issues, yes, but you must do so safely. If you are experiencing ongoing issues with one specific area, such as hip pain, look for a way to improve the problem and be safe when working out.