Training with an Injury? Get Support from a Fundamentals Professional

Where does the pain come from?
Pain occurs when your body has been put out of balance in some way. Knee pain, for example, may result from an arch of the foot that is insufficiently stable or active. This creates compensation at the ankle, leading to knee problems. Hamstring pain may stem from insufficient stability in the lower back or hip. Appropriate exercises to improve stability, strength or mobility are essential. Better joint function can then resolve the pain.

Back pain

Back pain is common. We have all heard that sitting is the new smoking, so I want to give it extra attention here.

If you work in an office, let's walk through your day. You wake up, prepare breakfast and sit at the table. Leaning forward to avoid spilling food and read the news on your phone, your back curves from neck to tailbone. The lower back's natural position is extended. Then you drive to work, slouched comfortably in traffic while listening to the morning radio. After another 45 minutes of sitting, you sit at your desk. We do plenty to make workplaces ergonomic, but let's be honest: that rounded back is still there much of the time.

The message is clear: your back wants to extend, but you spend all day bending forward. Stand up more often, drink plenty of water at work—you will need more toilet trips, but you will walk more; count those steps over a week—and stretch out more regularly. Perhaps take phone calls while walking. Your body will appreciate it. These simple changes are not obvious to everyone. The point is that if you want to change your back pain, you also need to change your daily routine. It will not resolve itself if you keep doing the same things.

Addressing pain

Actively working on recovery is an effective way to address pain. It is not easy, and one workout will not instantly cure you, unfortunately. Nor does every injury have the same solution. At Fundamentals, however, we often look to movement.

Everyone knows core exercises are useful, but what makes a good core exercise? How do you perform it and make real progress? Our trainers or in-house physiotherapist can help answer these questions. Request a Kickstart and take an active role in your recovery.