As I write this, my left shoulder has a nagging pain after some shoulder presses the other day – that one’s probably chronic since I’ve always had a “clicking” noise in that shoulder since childhood. My right foot has been sore, so I cut back on leg presses and running for a few weeks. Knee issues seem to come and go.
Don’t get me wrong, I like to go to the gym, especially when I compare my “before and after” photos from a year ago and today. For the first time in my life, I have decent looking biceps.
Nevertheless, it seems that the point of going to the gym (besides looking good) is to get your body in better shape to handle heavier loads and have more endurance. I have to admit, I felt quite comfortable and pain free as a couch potato. These days, I regularly find myself favoring some tender limb or joint.
Of course, I’m not referring to the pleasant next-day overall soreness that lets you know you did a good workout the day before. I’m talking about more focused and acute soreness.
Anybody else out there go through this same process? Where are your regular aches and pains? Do you have any naturally funny joints, like my left shoulder?
Funny you should mention this just as I am applying some Tiger Balm to my right knee. I find that if I do too much running in one week, my knees start to hurt like hell.
I’ve pulled a few muscles before as well. If I give it a few days though, it generally heals up nicely.
Have you ever used a trainer? I think people don’t always realize that their form is off, and consequently, are always hurting themselves.
I just got over a messed up neck, upper back, shoulder thing. I think it was because I increased weight (I’m only talking 10 lb. weights) and my form was probably off. When you’re at the gym, use the mirrors! Some people think they’re just supposed to “oooh” and “aaah” over how buff and cut they look, but you’re supposed to be watching your form and making notes of where you might need to concentrate a bit harder.
I used to always hurt myself when exercising. There was always something wrong with me, and often I skipped workouts because of pulled muscles and other minor complaints. Then it finally sunk in that yes, I do need to stretch out before and after, and yes, weight training does help. Since I’ve been stetching conscientiously and doing a little weight-training, I don’t think I’ve seriously hurt myself at the gym.
If your joints are bothering you, hot tub, joint rubs, tylenol for pain. However, if most of your pains are muscle, tendon and ligament related, you might try getting a good massage after a hard workout. Many, many pros will gush for hours about the benefits of a good , hard massage for keeping injuries away.
Thanks for the advice!
I have been concerned about this for quite awhile – it has gotten to the point where I can’t really do any exercises without facing the mirror. I very carefully observe the movements and make sure that they follow what I was taught in my training sessions and in the books I have on the subject.
I think I am about due for a few more sessions with the trainer anyway.
Maybe I sould do some stretches before lifting as Podkayne says? I normally only stretch before and after running.
I watch Bodyshaping on ESPN2 from 4 to 5 am cst. They’re ALWAYS saying you should stretch before you do any kind of workout. I don’t always, but I try to.