When I train, I wait for the moment my mind says ‘no’ because I know that when I push through this for 5 more reps or 1 more mile my body loves it afterwards. The ‘pain’ of laboured breathing or muscles filling with blood is not the same as snapping, burning, searing, grinding, nerve tingling or numbness.
It seems to me that pain is ignored when determination overrides awareness. Deep down we know the truth of this signal, but can’t quite really listen – until it gets that bad.
If you are working through the wrong kind of pain, you do have options:
1. rest the injury and focus on another body part
So if planks are killing your shoulders, dedicate a month to abs training or cardio – something you might not normally do as much – you might discover it is a facet to your fitness that you come to value just as much.
2. move off prime movers to stabilisers and mobility movements
This involves no or low weights and builds support around the injury. For example, if deadlifts have left you with a pulled back, devote some time to the hip stabilisers. Discover what this training can bring to your deadlifts when you return to them.
3. stay motivated
With both 1 and 2 above, set yourself some goals specific to this new regime. Similarly, if getting to a class is what usually motivates you but the exercises are aggravating your injury, find a way to motivate solo exercise for this time. Have a plan, set some goals and see what you can learn about your body.
