Exercises to Reduce Chronic Pain

Below are some good exercise recommendations for those who are in pain. Exercise not only helps strengthen the body, preventing injury, but also assists in the repair and healing process as well. Exercise benefits every system of the body, even the mind. It is shown that people who live an active lifestyle are healthier, in less pain, and happier overall than those who live sedentary lifestyles.

Recommendations:

1 - Walk: Walking is just about the very best (and easiest) exercise you can do for your body. It requires no equipment, no planning...just leave the house and go! A good pace to aim for is to cover a mile in about 20 minutes. After some time, you can intensify your walk by adding resistance by choosing parks with hills, or go on a nature hike.

Frequency: Aim to take a walk at the very least 4 days per week. Daily is best.

For good places to walk, or hike in the Louisville surrounding area, click here.

2 - Heated pool: Sometimes you feel that you are in so much pain that even the though of taking a walk seems impossible. Consider joining an aqua-aerobics class. Many fitness centers and hotels have classes for heated water exercise therapy. This takes a great deal of stress and compression away from the affected areas, and adds a level of "weightless" therapy. In addition, the heat can add benefit by reducing inflammation.

Frequency: Depending on pricing and availibility, aim to participate in a class such as this 2-3 times per week. Daily is best (if possible).

For classes and resources in the Louisville area, click here.

3 - Yoga: Although made popular in the last decade, Yoga is a centuries-old form of exercise that yeilds high return for low intensity. Its like "ballet-meets-aerobics", and can be very therapeutic for joints, muscles, and tendons. Find a class that you are comfortable with, and make friends that share your desire to improve mind, body, and live pain-free!

Frequency: Try to attend a class at least 2-4 times per week. In some cases, classes meet daily.

For Yoga classes in the Louisville and surrounding area, click here.