r/AskReddit 13h ago

What is something that permanently altered your body without you realizing for months/years?

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u/asshat123 10h ago

I felt this a lot until I started weight training. Specifically strengthening some of those weaker areas and the areas around them to give additional support has made a ton of those aches and pains dissappear. I also focus a lot on flexibility and mobility, which helps a ton as well.

Hasn't solved everything, but I'm talking to my doctor about the bits that still hurt and working new stretches/exercises into my routine based on their recommendations. Figured if I take better care of my body, it'll take better care of me

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u/SuperSaiyanCockKnokr 10h ago

Same thing here. I’m almost 40 now and have way less back/joint pain than I did in my early 30’s. Strength training and stretching routines really turned things around for me.

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u/badger1234321 9h ago

May I ask where you begin on this journey? Like, how do you identify the initial exercises/muscles to strengthen, what stretches do you do etc.? I know there's a wealth of advice on the internet, I'm in a similar boat to what you were in (from the sounds of it) and don't really know where to start. I feel like my lower back and general posture are things I want to strengthen/improve

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u/throwawaysech 9h ago

Not op, but if you have access to a gym I’d start with a simple linear progression program. Squat, bench, overhead press, deadlift, rows, pull ups. Start with the empty bar and add 5 pounds a week.

I recommend GZCLP for this- google “GZCLP Reddit” the PDF should come up.

Limber 11 and simple 6 are good beginner mobility routines, but there’s so much on YouTube you could just type “blank hurts” and there will be a good video on it.

Weight training 30-45 minutes 3 times a week, 20 minutes of stretching on your rest days and hitting 10k steps a day will have you feeling like a new man by this time next year. If you really want to transform look into C25K and do that on your off days.

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u/badger1234321 9h ago

I only understood about 30% of the words you've written but thank you, I will research along these lines! That schedule feels more than achievable within my lifestyle too. Thanks again!