Training through Strain

A couple of weeks ago I wrote an article about training through illness (colds and flues) and how some people prefer light training in order to help “sweat” it out and others prefer to rest until they feel better. (click here to view the article) Now I would like to discuss training through strain. By this I refer to strains picked up while lifting heavy weights. When a strain is detected whilst training, it is usually accompanied by a short sharp pain in the area being injured. Usually though, major pain in the area is not felt until many hours later or possibly until the next day. This is the most deceiving thing about picking up strains. Since the pain is felt later, most people carry on training through the injury, thinking that there body is fine and that they are able to continue, and possibly making the injury worse. The best thing to do if you feel this sharp bolt of pain is STOP! Don’t carry on lifting weights. Personally I prefer to perform light stretches, working all the muscles so as to ease the pain as much as possible, but others may wish to not do anything, leave the gym, and go rest at home for a few days. Also some people take painkillers to help block the pain for the next few days. I don’t, for the simple reason that taking painkillers doesn’t heal the injury, but merely dulls some of the pain, allowing the thought that the injury is healed. As it is not though, you may actually enhance the strain by moving around normally.

Rest is the key. Eat good wholesome foods, and drink plenty of water, to provide your body with nutrients and vitamins to help fight the strain, and you should be fighting fit in no time.