It’s time to get creative! If your injured, you may have to start thinking out of the box in order to continue working out. Even though working out with an injury can be scary, it can still be done! For instance, if you have shoulder pain during a push up that does not mean you will also have pain with pulling movements. You just have to find what works for you. Below I will give you some tips to help you continue working out despite injuries! Shoulders: Always start slowing and gradually increase load/intensity. Make sure to cease any movement that increases pain. You may be able to push and not pull or vise versa. However, try to limit loaded overhead movements. Lower Back: Make sure to mobilize and warm up before any training begins. Begin with body weight movement and forgo any movement that requires spinal loading. Wrists: Most people that have wrist pain complain while performing the traditional push up. Try elevated push ups, bar push ups, or even knuckle push ups. Knees: Having a knee injury can really hinder any training program. Try exercises that require little bending of the knee such as kettlebell swing which have more of a hinge pattern. Working out despite having an injury can be tough, but it can be done! It may even require a different approach to fitness for an extended period of time, but don’t give up! Add in different modalities such as mobilizations, flexibility work, biking or swimming. Just remember to warm up and cool down before and after EVERY workout!
