“I can’t remember a time when my knees didn’t bother me.”
“I just wish I would have started working out before my shoulder became a chronic issue.”
These are common phrases we hear from people who regret not taking action sooner. But why do we work out? The reasons are endless—whether it’s to lose weight, get stronger, or feel more confident in our skin. Yet, there’s one incredibly under-looked reason that often flies under the radar: working out helps prevent injuries that come with age or from the demands of everyday life.
Almost all of our members can attest to this. Once they started working out, the normal aches and pains they once experienced began to feel less severe. Some have even had their pain completely disappear!
The Power of Strong Muscles
When we work out, we’re not just building muscles for the sake of appearance. We’re strengthening the muscles that support our joints. This is crucial because strong muscles take on the workload that weak joints might otherwise bear, reducing the wear and tear on those joints. The stronger your muscles are around a joint, the less strain the joint itself has to endure.
But it doesn’t stop there. Most of the pains you experience—whether it’s back pain, knee pain, or shoulder discomfort—often stem from underused or weak muscles. Sometimes, it’s simply from not knowing how to move our bodies correctly!
Learning How to Move Right
Working out isn’t just about lifting weights or running on a treadmill. It’s also about learning how to move properly in your day-to-day life. Think about it: every time you squat to pick something up, carry groceries into the house, lunge down to tie your shoes, or reach for something on a high shelf, you’re using muscles that you strengthen during your workouts.
By training these muscles, you’re making sure they’re ready to handle whatever tasks life throws your way. And when your muscles are prepared, they protect your joints, making those daily movements easier and less painful.
Preventing Minor Aches from Becoming Major Issues
There’s another aspect of working out that’s often overlooked: recovery and preventative exercises. Performing certain stretches or exercises regularly can prevent minor aches from becoming chronic issues.
When our coaches recommend doing hip stretches at home or stretching out your shoulders before a workout, it’s not just busywork. It’s a way to prevent a minor ache from turning into a more significant injury. These small exercises, which take just a minute or two, can save you from a world of pain later on.
An Ounce of Prevention
Wouldn’t it be great if instead of dealing with knee pain every day, you never had to worry about it in the first place? That’s why we program warm-ups and give “homework” to help prevent daily pains from acting up.
So next time you think about skipping those Cat/Camels during your warm-up because you don’t feel like spending 30 seconds on it, just remember: An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure!
BY TYLER BOLGER