The Surprising Benefits of Working Out While Injured: Why Rest Isn’t Always Best!

In my 11 years of gym ownership I have never had someone tell me they were so happy they stopped working out for an extended period of time.

When you’re dealing with an injury, it can be tempting to take time off from your regular workout routine. After all, your body needs time to heal, and exercise may seem like the last thing you want to do. However, while rest and recovery are important, it’s also important to continue working out as much as possible. In fact, there are many benefits to continuing to exercise while dealing with an injury. Here are some reasons why.

1. Maintain Your Fitness Level
One of the main benefits of continuing to work out while dealing with an injury is that it can help you maintain your fitness level. When you stop exercising altogether, your muscles begin to weaken, your endurance decreases, and your overall fitness level declines. By continuing to exercise, even if it’s in a modified or lesser way, you can help prevent these negative effects and maintain your fitness level as much as possible.

2. Improve Your Mood
Exercise is known to improve mood and reduce stress levels. Dealing with an injury can be emotionally challenging, and exercise can help you cope with the stress and frustration that comes with it. Even if you can’t do your regular workout routine, finding alternative ways to move your body can help boost your mood and make you feel better overall.

3. Promote Healing
Contrary to popular belief, exercise can actually help promote healing when you’re dealing with an injury. Moderate exercise increases blood flow and oxygen delivery to injured tissues, which can help speed up the healing process. Additionally, exercise can help prevent muscle atrophy (muscle loss) and improve range of motion, both of which are important for recovery.

4. Maintain a Healthy Weight
When you stop exercising, it’s easy to fall into a cycle of inactivity and unhealthy eating. This can lead to weight gain, which can make it harder to recover from your injury. By continuing to exercise, even if it’s in a modified way, you can help maintain a healthy weight and prevent weight gain while you’re healing.

5. Improve Your Overall Health
Exercise has a wide range of health benefits, from reducing your risk of chronic diseases to improving your immune function. By continuing to exercise while dealing with an injury, you can help maintain these benefits and improve your overall health, even if you can’t do your regular workout routine.

Of course, it’s important to listen to your body and avoid activities that may aggravate your injury. Always follow the advice of your healthcare provider and make modifications to your workout routine as needed. But don’t let your injury be an excuse to stop exercising altogether. By finding alternative ways to move your body and staying active as much as possible, you can help maintain your fitness level, promote healing, and improve your overall health and well-being.

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