Workout Pains You Shouldn’t Ignore
No pain, no gain. Well that’s not necessarily true. We all appreciate that working out carries some discomfort, and a general soreness to the muscles is to be expected after a vigorous workout.
But knowing the difference between temporary overuse and injury can prolong your fitness journey and overall health.
Here are some hallmark workout pains you shouldn’t ignore.
A Popping Sound
Resistance training can call for a harmless popping sound due to trapped air. But if you hear a loud pop followed by intense pain, it’s an indication that something not good has happened.
Generally, it’s a suggestion of a dislocation, but the pain rating will imply this.
A Sharp, Sudden Pain
Avid gym goers will tell you that a sharp, sudden pain is nothing to ignore – particularly one so intense you can’t ignore it. It could be a sign of a torn muscle or tendon.
If it’s enough to prevent you moving normally, stop before you do more damage.
Localised Discomfort Which Refuses To Go Away
We all have an unexplained ache from time to time, but if you’ve experienced a sudden pain which lingers, your body is trying to tell you something.
Let’s say you feel persistent agony in your knee; don’t ignore it. Get it checked out.
Joint Soreness
Your muscles will feel warm and tender during a vigorous workout, but if you feel a dull soreness in your joints (particularly your elbows or knees) stop what you’re doing.
It’s easy to put stress on the joints with weights, which is why you should never completely lock out your knees or elbows; keep them soft. Exercising with improper technique and constantly performing the same activity over time can wreak havoc on your joints.
Ease into a new workout routine and mix it up at least once a month.
Listen to your body when you’re working out. You cannot surpass a weak frame, so stop trying to be a hero and stop what you’re doing to rest.
Always start with a warm up and end with a cool down to correctly prepare the muscles for exercise.
