Why Exercise?

If your pain prevents you from getting enough exercise to keep your muscles and joints strong, you are in an ugly cycle where pain and stiffness just lead to more pain and stiffness. Any improvements you can make to gain more mobility and motion will help unlock this cycle of pain. You can help take control over your chronic pain by choosing to exercise and build strength and stamina.

Some type of exercise is beneficial to almost everyone. Exercise can stretch and strengthen painful muscles. It can increase cardiovascular fitness. Exercise also helps your body burn fuel, which can reduce your weight. It can even help you sleep better, and better sleep promotes healing and reduces pain.

If the idea of exercise scares you, just remember you can go as slowly as you want. Even the smallest accomplishments help you build strength and endurance. Set achievable goals based on what you really belief you can accomplish. You don't have to start off with goal of climbing a mountain by the end of next week. Start small, and gradually build up steam. Even though the products offered on our Products Page will help you feel better, remember to not overdo it!

Most experts recommend starting your exercise program with warm-up activities. This allows the blood to flow to your muscles to prevent further injury. A mistake people often make is to skip warm-ups and go directly to heavy-duty exercises. Often, they encounter considerable pain the next day or two that could have been avoided!

Your exercise plan should also include cool-down activities. Again, these help reduce any pain you might experience as a result of beginning a new exercise program. It is also very important to drink plenty of water. Experts recommend at least eight 8-ounce glasses of water per day. If you can't make yourself drink plain water, add a touch of lemon, lime, mint, or ginger to give it some flavor.

While undergoing an exercise program, you should try to limit your use of caffeine or any other diuretics. They cause your body to use up more water, so you have to add additional water to your daily intake to make up for what you're losing to caffeine.

What's Stopping You From Exercising?

When you're in pain, the last thing in the world you may want to do is exercise. In fact, when you're in pain, often you reduce your normal activities and routines to help protect the painful area. This cycle can lead to even greater pain by increasing stiffness and muscle tension. Your muscles may even begin to atrophy - to become weaker and smaller and less able to support you.

You may end up with less strength and stamina. You may tire much more quickly. When you can't do the things you used to enjoy, you may become frustrated, angry, even depressed.

Exercise, even small amounts, can help get you back "on track" by breaking through this cycle of pain. There are a lot of great books and video tapes available on exercise. Check out the ones offered on our Products Page through our Amazon.com link. Even more may be available at your local library or bookstore. Ask your doctor for exercise recommendations pertaining to your specific situation.

Be sure and try topical pain relief products on any sore muscles that result from starting a new exercise program. These products are also offered on our Products Page.

May God bless you on your journey to reduce pain and enjoy the life He gave you.

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