You Should Stop Lifting Weights If This Happens To You
Lifting weights can be a great addition to any workout, and not just for body builders. Even if you're not attempting to build muscle or appear jacked, adding a little weight to your exercise routine can really contribute to your overall health. According to Everyday Health, weightlifting can protect your bone and muscle strength, help your body burn calories faster, and help manage a chronic disease. The benefits are pretty enticing and hopefully outweigh any skepticism you have toward hanging out with the dumbbells and kettlebells at your gym. But before you throw another 10 pounds onto the bench press or set your weightlifting goals to the next level, you should reconsider if your routine is making you overly sore or tired, or is causing joint pain (via Muscle & Fitness). We know the feeling of lifting more and more can become addicting. But the more weight you add, the more you could be putting yourself at risk for injury.
Step away from the weights if you're feeling exhausted
"Your form can start to suffer if you are lifting too much because your body will be completely fatigued, so you will not be able to move properly [and] movement patterns will start to suffer," Betina Gozo, Nike master trainer, tells INSIDER. She continues, "When your body is trying to repair itself from the stress you are giving it, the muscles will not be able to produce the same amount of force and strength it can if fully recovered, which can lead to over-compensations and injuries."
In addition to being hyper aware of your form when lifting, you should also consider intermittently taking breaks from weights to allow for some much needed rest. "If you've worked out so hard that you can't move it can cause your movement pattern to be off and limit the intensity you can apply to your next workout," says CrossFit coach Patrick Solano to Muscle & Fitness.
We're not telling you to drop the healthy activity of lifting weights for good. But we want you to avoid serious injury, damaged movement patterns, and possibly inadequate recovery. So keep your form at the forefront of your mind, and give yourself some rest when your body needs it.