As I started up back in doing handstand pushups the other day, I noticed something.
My right shoulder was not feeling 100%.
The truth is I wouldn’t even call it “pain”. That’s too strong of a word. But “niggling” is about right.
It means:
“cause slight but persistent annoyance, discomfort, or anxiety.”
Or the noun-form, niggle means:
“A minor complaint or problem.”
At least that’s one definition.
It’s a slight sensation I have in the shoulder when doing that work. So slight, it took me a few sessions to even notice it. Apparently, the more I practice listening to my body, the better I get at it. (Duh!)
I’ve been thinking about finding better definitions to describe things besides pain. Because with better defined language, it is easier to teach. To show others how to do the same.
If I took the conventional approach to fitness, here is what would happen:
- I’d keep pushing on the handstand pushups.
- The pain would grow.
- The progress would stop.
- Eventually the pain would become too much and I’d have to stop doing the exercise.
Sound familiar?
Here’s my alternative plan now that I’ve noticed the niggle:
- I’ll be doing some of the exercises for the shoulders found inside The Indestructible Body.
- I’ll be paying attention to more of how my body responds and doing more of what feels good and lessens the niggle. The roadmap is inside Beyond Biofeedback.
- I’ll continue to do handstand pushups, but modify them as needed, until it feels just fine to continue doing them regularly.
In essence, since I’ve noticed the niggle, I can reverse it. Pain and injury averted from early on.
That’s why I have said many times, and will continue to say, it is vitally important to learn how to listen to your body.
