Don’t Stop Exercising Once the Pain Is Gone: Experts Explain Why Daily Workouts Matter

New Delhi: Many people stop exercising as soon as their pain subsides or their health condition improves. However, physiotherapy and medical experts warn that this is one of the biggest misconceptions about fitness. According to experts, exercise should be a lifelong habit rather than a temporary treatment.

Patients often ask whether they can stop exercising after recovering from knee pain, back pain, or surgery. Experts say that while exercise helps relieve pain, its greater purpose is to maintain strength, mobility, and long-term health while preventing future problems.

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Human bodies are designed for movement. Walking, running, climbing stairs, lifting objects, and performing physical activities are natural functions of the body. However, modern lifestyles dominated by desk jobs, vehicles, elevators, smartphones, and computers have significantly reduced daily movement, increasing the risk of lifestyle-related diseases.

Experts emphasize that exercise offers benefits far beyond weight loss. Regular physical activity helps improve cardiovascular fitness, increases lung capacity, strengthens muscles and bones, enhances joint mobility and balance, regulates blood sugar and blood pressure, improves sleep quality, and reduces stress and anxiety.

They also highlight the principle of “Use It or Lose It,” explaining that muscles and physical abilities weaken when they are not used regularly. Consistent exercise sends a signal to the body to preserve strength, flexibility, and endurance.

Contrary to popular belief, the importance of exercise increases with age. Regular physical activity can slow age-related muscle loss, maintain bone density, improve balance, reduce the risk of falls, and help older adults remain independent and active.

Experts further point out that pain relief should not be the end of an exercise routine. Many patients discontinue physiotherapy exercises once symptoms improve, only to experience the same problems again months later. Continuing prescribed exercises helps prevent recurrence and supports long-term recovery.

The concept of “Exercise is Medicine” is now widely accepted across the world. Regular physical activity has been shown to reduce the risk of chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, obesity, osteoporosis, depression, anxiety, and certain types of cancer. While exercise is not a substitute for medical treatment, it remains an essential component of disease prevention and management.

Experts also caution against prolonged sitting. Even individuals who exercise for 30 minutes daily may still face health risks if they remain seated for most of the day. Taking short walking breaks, using stairs, standing during phone calls, and stretching regularly can help reduce the harmful effects of prolonged sitting.

A balanced fitness routine should ideally include aerobic exercise, strength training, flexibility exercises, and balance training. Experts advise choosing activities based on individual age, health conditions, physical ability, and fitness goals rather than blindly following workouts seen on social media.

Above all, experts stress that consistency is more important than intensity. Setting realistic goals, selecting enjoyable physical activities, and staying active every day are considered the keys to maintaining lifelong fitness and better health.