Inflammation…Necessary Or Unnecessary For Exercise?

At this point in time, I think most people have heard the term “inflammation”. Whether it be in regards to an anti-inflammatory diet, inflammation caused by overuse, chronic inflammation through stress, etc. For this week we are going to focus on inflammation's role in exercise. 

You may be surprised by what the goal in exercise is when it comes to inflammation…

It is to create a low-grade inflammatory response while our body continues to bring itself back to homeostasis. Our immune system initiates an inflammatory response because of the tissue damage (i.e.lifting weights) which then causes our tissues to repair itself. (Self-healer? Yes, we are)

THIS is how the body gets stronger.  Our bodies need to be stimulated through strategic challenges (progressions & regressions) of exercise and weight in order for it to rebuild the damaged tissue.  

But what if your exercise is creating MORE issues? 

Have you experienced stiffness, swelling, body aches or are easily fatigued while or after exercising? You my friend may be on the chronic, systemic inflammation train.  

Brushing off the little aches and pains that have been there for years without thinking about the possible future outcome will lead to more injuries and hold you back from your daily functions. 

So, what can we do to make sure we are creating a positive inflammatory response versus a negative one? 

Hire a trainer who knows how to properly dose resistance training in a strategic manner. One who challenges the individuals available functionality of their body given the desired outcome through exercise. 

OR

Hire a Muscle Activation Techniques® Practitioner. This modality can help decrease any sort of inflammation that is causing muscle inhibition. 

Note: There are many other factors such as proper nutrition, adequate sleep, alleviating poor habits, etc. that must be consistent with each other to maintain overall good health to keep inflammation to a minimum.