I’m bringing this up this month as it’s been really interesting to note that those who keep up their exercise when they experience, say a bad knee or a shoulder pain, fair better than those who don’t. So why is that?

Exercise is not just for one body part – you know that! And it is not just about gaining muscle or losing a couple of kilo’s, you know that too! We have a saying that everyone who walks in, should walk out happier – well at least with a buoyed mood space, that being one example that exercise boosts your mood. But it is not only that, if you stop exercising completely then you start losing the gains you made. And on top of that you start to lose muscle mass. 

Injuries are inevitable, we are human. We often become reluctant as we don’t won’t to hurt ourselves further or reactivate an injury. However the longer you stay away, the more reluctant you become and inertia sets in. However frequent and low intensity exercise is important be it walking, cycling, swimming or coming to the studio for some light mobility, stretching or strength work.

Key is always seeking professional support and we have a wonderful network of allied health professionals and likely you already have someone you like. And discussing variations or alternatives so as not to affect the injured area. Strength training with weights is one of them – What?? But it does keep up strength and our endurance.

A good example is an injured knee or ankle. So as long as you can make it through the door, we’d be having a seated session with you. Possibly doing rows, lifting weights, utilising bands or balls. And key to all this is to not rush the process, do your homework given to your allied health if that is the case, keep motivated and stay focussed on recovery.

What are the key points to consider?

Keep communication lines open with your trainer. The first step to take is to redesign your current program until able to resume. Research has shown that those who stay positive throughout their rehabilitation will increase the rate of recovery. Therefore, instead of using it as an excuse or as an obstacle, use this time to focus on any weaknesses you may have.

If you have an injury now, or one in the future, don’t give up, keep going. We see the benefits of those who keep going vs those who don’t and the road to recovery is longer. Keep on exercising!