When you exercise, it’s normal to feel some kind of discomfort, but not all pain is the same. It’s important to know the difference between good pain and bad pain, so you can keep your body safe and healthy. Spartanburg is a great place to get active!
✅ What Is Good Pain?
Good pain is what we often call a muscle burn. This happens when your muscles are working hard. You might feel it during or right after a workout. It feels warm or tired, but not sharp or stabbing.
This kind of pain means your body is getting stronger! It usually goes away after a short time or after a little rest.
🚫 What Is Bad Pain?
Bad pain is a different story. This kind of pain feels:
-
- Sharp
- Stabbing
- Constant
- Lasts >24 hours
- Or like something is “wrong”
It might show up in your joints, like your knee, shoulder, or back. Bad pain can be a sign of an injury or that you’re doing too much too fast.
❗ Important: If the pain stays for more than a day, or if it gets worse, stop what you’re doing and get it checked out by a Physical Therapist.
🏃♂️ How to Get Your Body Ready Before a Workout
Getting your body ready the right way before a workout can help you avoid pain and injury.
Here’s what to do:
- Warm up for 5–10 minutes with light movement (like walking or jumping jacks)
- Stretch your arms and legs with moving stretches (like leg swings or arm circles)
- Drink water so your body stays hydrated
- Eat something light with protein or carbs to fuel your muscles
- Wear the right shoes for your activity
When your body is prepared, your workout will feel better — and you’ll be safer.
What to Do If You Feel Pain While Working Out
If you feel pain during a workout, don’t just push through it. Try these tips first:
1. Check Your Form
Sometimes pain happens because you’re doing the movement the wrong way. Ask a coach or physical therapist to check your form.
2. Take a Break
Resting between sets gives your muscles time to recover. Overdoing it without rest can lead to injuries. Aim for 60-90 seconds.
3. Use Recovery Tools
Foam rollers and massage balls can help loosen tight muscles and reduce soreness. You can even try stretching or gentle movement to help your body cool down after a workout.
💡 Bottom Line
- Good pain feels like a muscle burn, and that’s okay.
- Bad pain feels sharp or wrong, and that’s your body saying stop.
- Warm up, stay hydrated, and recover smart to keep your workouts safe and effective.
If you’re not sure what kind of pain you’re feeling, or if something just doesn’t feel right, it’s always smart to ask a professional. We offer free consultations! Just click below.
📍 Want Help Figuring Out Your Pain?
At Progressive Mobility, we help people in Spartanburg move better and feel stronger — with expert physical therapy, massage, and performance care. Whether you’re dealing with pain from the gym or just everyday life, we’ll help you figure out what’s really going on.
👉 Click here to schedule a one-on-one evaluation by clicking here
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