Getting the Most out of Exercise

Lose the "Pain"... Keep the "Gain"

It's no secret - regular exercise leads to better health and well-being. Whether you enjoy walking, weight training, cycling or some other form of physical activity, exercise does your body good! The down side is, working out may have some unintended consequences. When beginning an exercise program, you may experience aches, pains and minor inflammation following workouts that are the normal result of the repetitive motions associated with a specific exercise. The good news is there are steps you can take to control these common aches and pains before they can hinder your exercise goals.

On the other hand, some may experience more serious aches and pains that require the advice of a medical professional such as an orthopedic specialist or physical therapist. If you experience prolonged joint pain, or strains of the ligaments or tendons, these conditions require medical attention to determine an appropriate course of action.

Follow these simple strategies if you experience exercise-related aches and pains:

• Take a Break - Stop exercising for a day or two to ease aching muscles and minor inflammation in areas such as the knees, elbows and hips. When you resume exercising, consider lessening the intensity of your workout to aid in healing.
• Include Ice -- Ice the sore area for 20 minutes, several times a day. Try small lunch-box ice packs or packages of frozen vegetables to help decrease inflammation and pain.
• Compression Can Help - Elasticized bandages compress the sore area, reduce swelling and excess fluid, and provide support... all of which can reduce discomfort. Don't wrap them too tight, but do try wearing them the next time you exercise.
• Drink Lots of Water - Intense exercise coupled with inadequate water can lead to dehydration, which can cause muscle aches and pains.
• Try a Natural Supplement -If you're looking for a natural approach to exercise-related pain relief, without the health risks associated with popular anti-inflammatory drugs, try Celadrin®. Celadrin is an all-natural supplement made from a proprietary blend of special fatty acids that has been clinically shown to reduce inflammation and provide relief. Find it at your favorite supplement and health food store.

Remember that it's always a good idea to warm up before working out! Stretching to warm up muscles can help prevent muscle pain and inflammation later.

« Return to ArticlesLearn More About Sherry Torkos »