When you make a commitment to get into shape, it’s understandable that your focus is on training and nutrition. The way you treat your body between workouts though, is just as important as the actual work out, especially when it comes to achieving fitness goals. Visiting a chiropractor can be a perfect complement to your exercise routine; this article explores how a chiropractor can improve your workouts.
DECREASE POST-WORKOUT PAIN
An intense workout often leads to fatigue and soreness. While it’s great to feel the burn during your workout, the on-going soreness can prevent you from returning to the gym for several days. That can set you back or throw off your workout schedule.
Chiropractors can help reduce your muscle pain by using soft tissue techniques that speed your recovery. You’ll also be given customized exercises to help reduce soreness from any injuries or areas of weakness you’re currently experiencing.
IMPROVED RANGE OF MOTION
As we age, the joints along the spine don’t move as well as they should, this can cause pain anywhere in the body. This pain limits your range of motion and can hinder your ability to train as hard as you’d like. A chiropractor will work with you to increase your range of motion. It’s also likely they’ll give you exercises to do at home or to incorporate into your workout that will also help to improve range of motion where it’s needed.
IMPROVED POSTURE
Proper posture is critical in our daily lives, including during a workout. Think about deadlifts for example, joint restrictions in your back will cause you to hunch or tighten in your stance. Doing so significantly increases your chance of injury.
As your posture starts to improve, you’ll probably feel better during workouts, recover quicker and experience more energy. You’ll also feel better while sitting at the computer, driving, or working because good posture eliminates strain.
LONG-TERM MUSCLE FUNCTION
When your muscles aren’t in constant pain, you’re able to be more active and work out more efficiently. When you’re experiencing more pain than normal or are sore for longer than you feel you should be, it’s likely there’s a reason for it. A chiropractor can work with you to find the source of your pain and help you minimize or eliminate it.
DECREASED RISK OF INJURY
Skilled chiropractors have in depth knowledge of the musculoskeletal system. This allows them to help you recover from an injury as well as prevent future injuries. Your chiropractor will be able to help you move and stretch properly. They can also help you with a customized workout plan with exercises tailored to your needs.
STRONGER BONES AND MUSCLE
When the body is properly aligned, you’re better able to work and move the way our bodies are designed to. When aligned, much of the stress that’s put on the surrounding bones, joints, and muscles are eliminated. Your body is no longer compensating for weaker areas, which means each muscle can do its job.
A HEALTHIER STOMACH INSIDE AND OUT
We all dream of a strong core… abs that we’re proud to show off at the beach. Abdominal exercises can often cause soreness in the lower back or neck, especially if there is already a problem there. Eliminating this pain can help you continue to strengthen your core, which will help prevent back pain down the road.
Research has also shown that combining chiropractic care with aerobic exercise improves your digestion. Not only will you feel better walking when your back is in proper alignment, but you’ll also improve circulation.
Remaining sedentary negatively affects your physical and mental health. Even if you’re starting slowly, combining low impact exercise with your chiropractic visits will speed up and improve your recovery. You’ll also be heading down the path to a stronger, painless version of yourself.
Dr. B.J. Hardick is a Doctor of Chiropractic and internationally-recognized natural health author and speaker. His health journey began as a child — alternative medicine is the only medicine he has ever known. In 2009, he authored his first book, Maximized Living Nutrition Plans. In 2018, he authored his second book, Align Your Health. An energizing and passionate speaker, Dr. Hardick shares his lifestyle methods to numerous professional and public audiences every year in the United States and Canada. His teachings encompass the principles of ancestral nutrition, detoxification, functional fitness, mindfulness, and green living.