5 Ways to Get in Meaningful Exercise When Your Body Hurts All the Time

As we age, our bodies tend to feel the aches and pains that come with the wear and tear of life. This can make exercise seem daunting or impossible, but it’s important to keep our bodies in good condition despite the discomfort. In this article, we will discuss five ways to get in meaningful exercise when your body hurts all the time.

Go Outside and Exercise on Soft Ground

Running or walking on pavement or concrete can cause unnecessary stress on your joints and muscles. Instead, opt for grass or a (soft) dirt path. Trails in parks provide inclined terrain and can make muscles work harder while cushioning your joints from the impact of your strides.

Water Aerobics or Other Water Sports

The buoyancy in water can give your body a break from gravity, removing the pressure and tension from your muscles, thereby reducing the pain experienced in your joints. Swimming and water aerobics provide cardio, while kayaking and paddle boarding can give you a full-body workout of meaningful exercise while remaining low-impact. As well, aquatic therapy can be helpful for those looking to develop greater flexibility, especially after an injury or accident. If you’re struggling with an aching body, try getting a membership at a gym with a pool and see how much of a difference aquatic exercise can make.

Body-Weight Exercises

Using equipment with weights may be too much for your body to handle, but body-weight exercises allow you to modify your workout according to the state of your body. Try modifying your push-ups by doing inclined or wall push-ups, and switch up squats with half squats and full squats. Not only will this help you reduce the stress on your joints from carrying heavy equipment around, it can also save you the money it costs to buy the equipment in the first place.

Yoga

Multiple yoga styles are capable of easing physical pain, and incorporating one into your routine can help you feel better while strengthening your body. Hatha and restorative yoga styles can ease joint and muscle pain by encouraging flexibility and gentle movement. Try joining a beginner’s yoga class to receive guidance and individual adjustments, which can be invaluable in moving easily and comfortably.

Time Your Exercise Routine According to When Your Body Hurts the Least

Make sure to do your workout when you feel your best. If you experience peaks and valleys of pain, exercise during your peak times to reduce discomfort or get a sense of fulfillment from the activity. Keep a record of your good days and bad days, and try to identify any behaviors or scenarios that increase your pain so you can avoid those things.

Pain and discomfort can make exercise seem like an impossible task. But through smart choices of activity, focusing on low-impact options, modifying exercises to your needs, and timing, it is possible to gain meaningful exercise without causing harm to your body. Try incorporating these tips into your routine and see the difference it will make in your life. A healthier you is just around the corner.