Many individuals find themselves trapped in a cycle of recurring aches and pains throughout their lives, often stemming from a lack of consistent habits around health and fitness. The human body is a remarkable thing that adapts to the demands placed upon it. Unfortunately, when we neglect regular exercise or adopt inconsistent training habits, they unwittingly maintain a steady (or worsening) level of vulnerability to injuries.
A common pattern we see is a person may continue through life with a certain set of routines. As time passes the person will start to notice some aches and pains, likely derived from those routines. Confused as to why they are now in pain (since they never were before, unaware of how the body adapts over time) they will go see a practitioner or doctor to find out why. The doctor explains that this pain is due to a (insert diagnosis here) tendonitis, hernia, stenosis, etc. They provide them with a few exercises and a course of treatment – and usually some medication.
Typically 1 of 2 things happens. The patient either 1: Follows the treatment as described and when they are out of pain they go back to their old routines. 2: Doesn’t follow the treatment as described but they start to feel a bit better anyway, so they’re happy. In both of these scenarios, the patient doesn’t likely develop any more resiliency. They did just enough to get out of pain because that was the focus.
Sometimes a patient may continue doing the exercises or rehab they were given in hopes of preventing the pain again but even in that scenario, if the exercises do not become more challenging or more specific to their needs, they will not create more resilience in the body and lessen chance of injury or pain.
Consistent training is like a protective shield for the body, enhancing its resilience, mobility, flexibility, and strength (not to mention the plethora of benefits for the brain and immune system). Without this shield, the muscles weaken, joints lose mobility, and the body becomes more susceptible to injuries.
Many people underestimate the cumulative impact of a sedentary lifestyle and only sporadic bouts of exercise. Over time, this lack of consistency leads to imbalances, weak muscles, and compromised mobility and posture, setting the stage for chronic pain. Moreover, without regular physical activity, the body fails to develop the endurance necessary for sustained well-being. The absence of a structured fitness routine contributes to the perpetuation of injury risks, leaving individuals prone to strains, sprains, and discomfort.
Breaking free from the cycle of pain requires a commitment to consistent training of some sort. Establishing a balanced exercise routine that includes strength training, flexibility and mobility exercises, and cardiovascular activities can significantly reduce the risk of injuries.
Now you might be thinking, shouldn’t my exercises be specific to my needs? The answer to that is, of course, YES. We can lessen our chances of re-injury by carefully selecting exercises and plans that help us move better and have better control of our bodies rather than just following some program we found online. The word “functional” is thrown around a lot but what it means is choosing exercises that allow you to train for life and activities of daily life.
By making fitness a priority and incorporating it into daily life, people can enjoy a more resilient and pain-free existence, breaking the cycle that keeps them tethered to on-and-off discomfort throughout their lives. It’s never too late to start, and the benefits of consistent training extend far beyond the gym – they pave the way for a healthier, more active, and pain-free future.
We are here to help you in this new routine. In addition to scheduling your evaluation at Coastal Wellness, take a look at our mobility and exercise videos that you can incorporate into your routine. Feel free to chat with us through our social media channels.
