When living in pain, oftentimes the last thing that you want to do is exercise. Lacking this desire can make it nearly impossible to stay fit and active. You also may not know what activities will cause more pain in the long run, scaring you into avoiding exercise altogether. Here are 5 ways to stay fit when living with chronic pain.
- Walk: Walking is a nice and light exercise that can boast great benefits. It can boost your energy, reduce stiffness, and bring oxygen to your muscles. Start with short and brisk walks at the beginning to see how your body feels and then over time, add length if you feel up to it.
- Stretch: The importance of stretching is often overlooked and can cause serious damage to the body if dismissed. Stretching should be done at least once a day in order to increase flexibility and loosen stiff muscles. Stretching daily can help improve everyday activities such as reaching and bending, and can be done at home.
- Do Yoga: Yoga is a great way to build endurance and flexibility. It teaches breathing techniques and meditation, which can be helpful in managing pain and stress. There are a number of yoga videos online that you can follow along at home or find a class to attend. Just be sure to inform the instructor of your pain and go at a pace that comfortable for you.
- Bike: Biking is similar to walking in that it can be a light form of exercise. If being on your feet for a long time is difficult, then biking may be the way to go. You get to be outside and you can build up endurance as you go. Your breathing can become stronger the longer that you ride, which can ultimately help pain levels.
- Participate in Everyday Activities: Even everyday activities can count as a way to stay fit and manage chronic pain. Play in the yard with your kids, garden, and clean the house. Taking the trash out, doing the dishes and raking the yard can also help improve your health, as long as you are using the proper techniques when it comes to bending and leaning. Know your limitations and take breaks as needed.
These are just a few simple ways to stay fit and you can try a few to determine which ones you like best.
Recovia is a functional flex-care program that aims to maximize recovery for individuals suffering from chronic pain, injury, or dependency. The mission is to provide a compassionate, comprehensive, cost effective, and individualized functional rehabilitation program. For more information, please contact us at 480-712-4600 or visit our information page.
The advice and information provided herein is for educational purposes only and should not be used for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites.
