Jumping back to the topic that was discussed earlier in the week about ‘how certain exercises are better for you at certain ages’, there is common topic/theme that a lot of people get older can relate too – pain.

Unfortunately, we all suffer through pain, at one point or another, in our lives. It is inevitable and for a lot of us, it simply is our ego getting in the way. Our brain’s take longer to ‘catch up’ with our physical body. We tend to think when we are 40 years old that our bodies are as resilient as they were at 20.

I don’t mean our bodies can’t do things we did when we were 20, it simply may mean, we just need to take a different approach and path to get to the same result.

And heck, sometime’s it isn’t even age that gets in our way, sometimes it is simply just the overuse of certain muscles, ligaments, joints, etc. At some point in your life, you will suffer from knee pain – I can probably go out on a limb (no pun intended – or maybe it should be) and say you will experience knee pain at some point in your life.

If you are suffering from it now or in the future, or know a friend dealing with the issue, just promise one you – you will not stop working out. There are plenty of ways to still work out to adjust to new pains or discomforts (yes while still kicking your booty).

Sculpted Body Pilates

Pilates

The foundation to Pilates was designed to retrain the body. Pilates exercises train several muscle groups at once in smooth, continuous movements for a duration of time. By developing proper technique with breath, you can actually re-train your body to move in safer, more efficient patterns of motion – invaluable for injury recovery, sports performance, good posture and optimal health. Today, Pilates has taken it up several notches from the father of it all, Joseph Pilates, and into the most popular version of pilates on Megaformers (with evidence in the ability to burn up to 600 calories in the 55-minute classes).

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Swimming

Out of all the exercises you can come up with, swimming is, most likely, the least impacting (on the body) of them all. It can be as easy as jumping in your local watering hole, diving into the ocean or finding the nearest lap pool. It is a super effective cardiovascular workout, as well the water providing a great resistance on the body to strengthen your muscles.

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Cycling

If hitting the pavement is doing a number on your knees, switch to cycling. One form of it is still considered on the pavement but at least you have a huge piece of equipment in between you and your feet this time. Whether you have the ability to do some road cycling or taking up your nearest spin class, your knees are sure to thank you. And actually in a shorter amount of time you can burn many more calories. Spin classes are all the rage right now, so what are you waiting for? Check out ones in your neighborhood today. You’ll keep up the strength in your legs, core, booty and upper body (if your instructor likes adding in some upper body exercises as well).

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Yoga

Another form of therapy for the body, yoga takes your breathing and mindfulness of your body to a whole new level. Super easy on the joints, increases flexibility (which sometimes our pains come from being tight) and makes you more aware of your body as a whole! Just like cycling studios, there are yoga studios everywhere, but this form of exercise is just as easy to do at home too – or anywhere really!

All in all, don’t ignore your pains by working through them. If they are cronic or can potentially be a bigger pain in your future then switch up your routine to one of the above for awhile –  you won’t regret it!