Experiencing mild pain or discomfort during exercise is more common than you might think. During strength training, temporary joint pain in the shoulders or back, or muscle soreness around the neck due to shortness of breath, can occur. Many experienced exercisers tend to ignore minor pains and continue their workouts.
The problem lies with exercise beginners who lack the experience to determine which pains are potentially risky. It’s important to identify when to discontinue exercise in the presence of certain types of pain.
â–² Chest Pain
Considered the most concerning type of pain that can occur during exercise. Particularly, if you experience a heavy, squeezing chest pain during high-intensity aerobic exercises, it could be a warning sign of angina. In some cases, individuals may only experience chest pain during exercise. In such instances, it is advisable to immediately stop exercising and seek medical attention.
â–² Dizziness
Beyond the feeling of exertion, there are times during exercise when you might feel dizzy. Continuing exercise in this state increases the risk of falls or fainting. This risk is even greater during strength training with heavy weights. Therefore, it is recommended to cease exercising immediately and take a break if you feel dizzy. If dizziness or nausea persists even after completing your workout, it is advisable to visit a healthcare professional.
â–² Shortness of Breath
Feeling short of breath during exercise is a natural phenomenon, especially as the intensity increases. However, if you experience difficulty breathing, along with an elevated heart rate, even during relatively low-intensity exercise, it could be a sign of an arrhythmia. Even if the cause is simply accumulated fatigue, it is still a signal that exercising is not advisable for that day. Resting and skipping exercise on such occasions is recommended.
â–² Worsening Joint Pain
As mentioned earlier, experiencing temporary joint pain during exercise is quite common. In most cases, adjusting the intensity of the exercise will lead to the pain subsiding. The concern arises when joint pain persists, worsens, or does not improve. In such cases, there is a possibility of an impending joint injury. It is advisable to immediately stop exercising if you notice that joint pain worsens during exercise. Joint injuries often require weeks to months of discomfort, so it’s better to be cautious.
Understanding when to continue exercising and when to stop based on the type of pain is crucial for maintaining a safe and effective workout routine. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced exerciser, listening to your body and seeking medical advice for persistent or concerning pain is always recommended.