submitted by Bowling Green Athletic Club
As we age, our bodies naturally break down, and in some cases chronic fatigue and pain can set it. As prescribed for healthy adults, resistance and cardiovascular exercise can help delay these conditions, but at some point everyone is going to experience muscle soreness or a strain. Depending on your current physical regimen, this pain may be exercise related. Below we’ve listed some common causes.
Improper form
If you’re new to exercise or haven’t performed the movements in a while you may be using improper form. It’s a good idea to get a refresher course every now and then and to have someone else watch your movements.
What we recommend…
- Set up a time with a personal trainer to go over proper form. At BAC, each new member gets a free evaluation with a trainer and additional sessions can be purchased if you want some one-on-one assistance.
- Try one of our intro or beginner level classes so they can break down the movements with you.
Poor posture
Do you sit at a desk most of the day? This could be causing stiffness throughout your spine that can result in poor movement patterns.
What we recommend…
- Warming up the body before exercising to prevent injury. You’d be surprised what walking on a treadmill or doing five minutes of calisthenics will do for your workout.
- Incorporating some type of strength or muscle lengthening classes like Pilates or Yoga. Both can be great for the body and for the mind.
- Set a timer to remind you to get up and move around every 30 minutes or at least strength your limbs
Overworking the same muscles
If you do the same routine every week for extended periods of time you could be missing out on strengthening the supporting muscles required for proper movement.
What we recommend…
- Pinterest and Instagram are great for getting new ideas on exercises and different ways to hit muscle, BUT it’s best to get a plan from a Certified Trainer to make sure you have a balanced routine.
- Use similar weights for muscle groups close to each other. Example – Your biceps should be equally as strong as your triceps.
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* Please consult a professional if you have chronic pain or suspect a serious injury.
