Strength training should leave you feeling stronger and more energized, not in pain or discomfort. If you’re experiencing joint pain, soreness, or slow-healing injuries after workouts, it might be time to reassess your exercise routine.
Here’s a simple rule: pay attention to how you feel during and after your workouts. You shouldn’t have to do extensive mobility drills or therapy sessions just to prepare for exercise. After a workout, your body should feel better overall, with less joint pain and no need for excessive stretching to find relief.
If you’re struggling with discomfort, it’s worth reconsidering your workout plan rather than relying on extra drills or tools.
For most people focusing on strength training for health and fitness (not competitive sports), there’s no set list of “must-do” exercises. The most important thing is to choose exercises that feel good and improve your overall well-being.
The goal of strength training is to boost your health and fitness without causing unnecessary strain or discomfort. Listen to your body and adjust your workouts accordingly for a happier, healthier you.
Getting Stronger with Gym Code: Understanding Progressive Overload and Joint-Friendly Training
To get stronger, you need to keep challenging your muscles in workouts. This is called progressive overload. It means each time you exercise, you should push yourself a bit more than last time by doing more reps, lifting heavier weights, or trying new exercises.
Big lifts like squats and bench presses are great for getting stronger, but they’re not the only way. Any exercise that makes your muscles work against resistance can help you get stronger. This can be with barbells, dumbbells, resistance bands, or machines.
Remember, don’t get too attached to one way of exercising. Focus on these two important ideas: doing exercises that target the muscles you want to strengthen, and always challenging yourself to do a little more each time.
As the head coach at Gym Code, I believe in workouts that are gentle on your joints. Some exercises, like heavy barbell lifts, can be tough on the body and cause discomfort. Instead, we use exercises that fit your body and don’t force you into uncomfortable positions.
Using dumbbells or cables gives us more flexibility to work with your body’s natural movements. This way, you can build strength without feeling strained or needing special therapy.
Let’s keep it simple: Lift smart, challenge yourself, and listen to your body to get stronger and feel great!
