Want to hurt less? Lift more. That’s oversimplified, but generally true.
Strength training helps manage pain. It works in several ways. Various mechanisms in the body produce analgesic effects when muscles work. In plain English: the body feels better moving. The mood-enhancing effects of strength training help us cope better with any pain we are experiencing. Further, our sense of self-efficacy built by lifting weights makes us more resilient to whatever we experience, even pain.
A few caveats. It’s crucial to warm up. Avoid exercises that are dangerous for any conditions (e.g., no spinal flexion for folks with osteoporosis). Discomfort is all right, but if there is actual pain during an exercise, stop that and try something else. Always use good judgment, appropriate equipment, and safety precautions.
Go play and feel better.
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