If you’re a well versed gym goer then you are probably all too familiar with pushing your limits, after all, that’s how you get better. But there comes a point where pushing becomes dangerous and you put yourself and your progress at risk. Do you know how to tell when you’ve reached your limit?
No pain, no gain may be a cool mantra, in theory but pushing yourself to injury really isn’t.
A few obvious signs that it’s time to ease up or stop you workout can include joint pain, dizziness, heart palpitations and any sharp pain. You hurt for a reason and no one is going to think you’re better for pushing through obvious warning signs.
If you’re taking on a heavy leg press or back squat and begin to feel the load in your knees, it could be a case of adjusting your form. But if you start feeling legit pain or feel yourself putting more of your weight on one side, then you need to stop. Take a break from doing that particular exercise and it may be that you need to seek professional help.
People new to the training landscape, or those who have been out of the game for a should be very aware of any pain while exercising; you will need to give your bones, muscles, joints, tendons and connective tissues time to adapt to the new stresses before you start increasing the intensity of your workout.
The more experienced exercisers among us should have an easier time hearing what their body is laying down. But that doesn’t always mean that they know when to lighten up. Most people know that a sharp pain isn’t good, it will probably stop you in your tracks. It’s the dull aches or pains can be harder to take notice of.
When you feel an ache or pain that’s new change your workout for the day. For example, if the pain is in your shoulder try reducing the weight you’re putting on it. If you still feel the pain let your shoulders rest for a few days.
Now, if you still feel pain when you try that exercise again a week later, it might be time to pop to the doctor or physical therapist for help.
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