Thanks for the question Millie. This is a very common question that seniors ask when they begin a new exercise program. When the body begins activity it is not accustomed to there are many great changes that occur including, improved strength, endurance, flexibility and balance.

At the same time we can feel soreness, fatigue and even, yes, pain. As a rule of thumb I usually tell patients to avoid pain. That is not the goal of exercise. Well, isn’t soreness pain? Yes, it may feel painful but soreness will usually improve as the days go by.

If you feel pain that is not soreness, especially in the joints, then the exercise should be modified to decrease the pain. This may require reducing the resistance or weight you are lifting and reducing the amount of movement in the joint when exercising.

When there is discomfort and pain when exercising, we lose our enthusiasm for exercise and likely will not continue. This is not our goal. There is usually a way to modify your exercise routine by adjusting the range of motion in your joints and reducing the weights you are lifting.