Whether you love or hate exercising, it’s something we all need to do to keep fit and maintain a healthy weight. But exercising can be a lot harder when you’re aching or struggling with joint pain.

If you suffer from a chronic joint condition or are simply getting over an injury, here are six ways to continue exercising while also protecting your joints.

Choose low intensity

Low-intensity exercise doesn’t mean you’re not getting the same level of workout. It’s just the moves are easier on the joints. Low-intensity options include yoga, swimming, and cycling – so there’s plenty of opportunities to get a good workout in, even when you’re taking pressure off your joints.

Never underestimate the power of a rest day

Sure, you might be on a roll with your new gym routine, but that doesn’t mean your body can keep up. Rest days are just as – if not more – important than your exercise routine, as it gives the body time to heal and strengthen. By skipping a rest day, your body will stay tense and tight – making your workout harder and harder as time goes on. Rest well and focus on your internal strength and diet. Also, dont forget to take amazon quercetin supplement.

Wear the right gear

Wearing the right kit while exercising can prevent injury and protect the joints. An elbow support by Bearhug, for example, is perfect for those suffering from tennis elbow. There are also knee supports and shoe inserts that can help you maintain the right posture when exercising – ultimately helping to prevent and protect.

Don’t skip the cool-down

It can be easy to fall into the habit of just heading home from the gym when you’ve finished your set or taking a rest after a long jog. But a cool down can do wonders for protecting you from strain or injury. Having a good stretch at the end of any exercise is always recommended. If you’re not sure what to include in a cool-down, check out this simple tutorial.

Keep the water coming

Perhaps the first rule of exercising is to stay hydrated. The more you sweat, the more water you need to replenish. You don’t need us to tell you how important water is for a healthy body. But if you want to look after your joints, just remember that drinking plenty of fluids is a must.

Don’t overdo it

If you are suffering from an injury, it’s vital that you find the balance between pushing yourself and not overdoing it. While you might feel ready to head back to a full-intensity workout, your body might have other ideas. When doing any level of exercise – especially weight training – it’s important to listen to your body and read the signs. Even if you have to drop weight from your pre-injury set, it doesn’t mean you won’t get back to the same level again. Your body just needs time to repair and rejuvenate.

Protecting the joints while exercising is easy to do but requires a little self-awareness. By making sure, you’re connected with your body, you’ll quickly be able to identify what’s working and what’s not.