Everyone is different regarding their ability to successfully and safely challenge their body. I’ve worked with many people who have the same injuries/conditions, yet one can safely perform movements that would typically be on the “avoid” list, while those same exercises aren’t a good fit for the other person.

So what do I recommend?

#1 get doctor clearance prior to starting any exercise program.

Maybe steer clear of exercises you absolutely hate and feels like a chore. 

If you have a history of medical conditions or injury (that is well managed) and a certain exercise serves a higher risk than reward, it’s likely not in your best interest to include. You can always try modifying the movement, lessen the load, and/or play around with your breathing techniques to see if that helps you execute the movement pain/symptom-free during and after your workout. If you don’t know where to start, it may be worth hiring a certified trainer to learn basic movements and better tune into your body.

Any exercise you’re unable to perform correctly at the time may suggest you’re not quite ready for it. That doesn’t mean you will never be able to do that exercise, rather how can we build up the strength to perform the exercise safely?

If you feel like you would benefit from some guidance on your fitness journey, click here.