When a Nu Fitness team member starts working with a client, we start by paying close attention to how the client is creating movement. We pay attention to what chain of muscles are working, and verify the client feels engagement in the right areas. Frequently when new clients come in with an existing quirk, they will describe the pain they’re experiencing as a “normal amount”. 

What’s important to remember is that when you’re experiencing any sort of unusual sensation while exercising, your body is telling you that something is a little “off”. Sometimes the pain is very low, say a 1/10, which can be easy to work through, so most new clients never think to mention it to their coach. Most of the time, that sensation is occurring for a reason and if you’re experiencing that sensation, it’s likely going to get worse. It is important to mention small quirks to the coach because it can provide useful feedback. If the sensation is caused by a lack of muscular firing, stability, or mobility, it’s likely that the trainer will be able to help you bring that 1/10 back down to 0/10. The real problems happen when you’re exercising and ignore a small pain, or you never mention the small pain to your trainer.

The body is designed to move through specific ranges pain-free. Sometimes an individual’s anatomy hinders that range of motion slightly, however it should still fall within a certain range. If you’re moving through that “normal” range and you are experiencing a “normal” amount of pain- that’s a red flag that shouldn’t be ignored. 

It can be difficult for most people to differentiate between an unusual quirk and a quirk that can turn into an injury. A general rule to follow is that if there is any pain, it’s worth looking into. Sometimes a quirk happens without pain. This might be a little crackling sound in your knee that never hurts during or following movement. A certain amount of noise coming from your joints while moving can be normal, but that’s not necessarily always the case. Sometimes that seemingly harmless crackling sound is associated with pain in that area later in the day, or the following day. This is a sign that something might not be working optimally and it’s worth looking into. Other times, there is no noise, but a small amount of pain associated with a movement. If the pain is a 1/10 on the pain scale, it’s worth looking into. That 1 can easily turn into a 2 under suboptimal movement patterns, and under load. 

Health practitioners can help figure out what might be going on with a quirk. It can be extremely nerve-racking and feel like you’re opening a can of worms, but when it comes to the body, it’s better to know and be proactive than not know and hope for the best.

Working with a specialist or an expert at Nu Fitness can help you address these small quirks before they develop into serious injuries. Our team is trained to identify movement inefficiencies, improve muscular engagement, and optimize your body’s mechanics to keep you moving pain-free for the long haul. By taking a proactive approach, you’ll not only enhance your performance but also protect the longevity of your active lifestyle. Don’t wait for that 1/10 pain to turn into something bigger—click here to book a free consultation and take the first step toward injury prevention and long-term health!