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3 Low Impact Exercises for Chronic Pain Sufferers

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Are you one of the many people across the country who suffer from chronic pain? Do you feel frustrated and stressed out because you feel your life is now limited because of your condition? Do you wish to be in the best physical shape you can be in spite of your chronic pain? If you answered yes to these questions then you would be glad to know that there are some low-impact exercises that you can do to help you manage your chronic pain.

Gone are the days when you were afraid to do any physical activities that might trigger your chronic pain. In fact, experts are now saying that lack of exercise can actually be more detrimental for chronic pain sufferers. This is because when you are physically inactive, even the smallest physical activities will gradually become a challenge, such as climbing the stairs or lifting objects. Here are some exercise ideas that you can try to make your chronic pain more manageable and improve your overall health and life.

1. Yoga

Yoga is a gentle exercise that you can try even though you suffer from chronic pain. Because yoga positions involve a lot of stretching, it allows you to improve your flexibility over time. Yoga also strengthens your muscles so you can build your endurance for more strenuous activities. Yoga also involves meditation techniques and deep breathing practices that many have found to be helpful when it comes to managing their pain.

If this is your first time to try yoga, it might be a good idea to enroll in a beginner's class so you can learn the basics first. Soon, you will be able to do the yoga exercises by yourself. When enrolling, be sure to let the instructor know that you suffer from chronic pain so the poses can be customized to your condition as necessary.

2. Walking

A lot of people underestimate the benefits of walking, but the fact is it is one of the best exercises you can do, whether you suffer from chronic pain or not. The fact that it is a low-impact exercise makes it an even better choice for chronic pain sufferers. Invest in a pair of good walking shoes that will be able to give you sufficient support. Start small by walking a couple of blocks in your neighborhood, then gradually increase the distance as your build your strength. Walking does not have to be strenuous. In fact, you can even use it as a time to relax by listening to your favorite music as you walk. Better yet, invite a friend to be your walking buddy so the two of you can catch up and chat while doing this gentle exercise.

3. Biking

Like walking, biking is a low-impact cardiovascular exercise that you can do to help manage your chronic pain. Just like in walking, it's better to start off small, especially if you have been out of exercise for a long time. As your endurance improves, you can also increase the time and distance of your bike trips. Be sure to wear a helmet and other safety gear.

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