Why Exercise Should Never End
(Even After You’re Out of Pain)
One of the most common questions I hear after someone starts to feel better is:
“How long do I have to keep doing this for?”
It’s an understandable question. When you’ve been doing specific rehab exercises to get out of pain, it’s tempting to think of them as temporary — something to “fix” the problem so you can get back to normal life.
But in all honesty, movement isn’t medicine you take until you’re better, it’s part of staying well.
When clients come to see me with pain, the root cause is often lack of movement and muscle atrophy. In simple terms, the muscles that were once doing their job have weakened from disuse. The solution is to rebuild strength and reintroduce movement in a targeted way — that’s where rehab and corrective exercise come in.
But once those muscles are working again, stopping altogether means you slowly return to where you started. No movement → muscle atrophy → weakness → pain. It’s a predictable cycle.
So when people ask, “How long do I need to keep doing this?” my honest answer is:
Forever.
That doesn’t mean you have to keep doing the same exercises every day for the rest of your life - but it does mean you need to keep moving, challenging your muscles, and staying active in some form.
Think of it like brushing your teeth. You don’t stop brushing just because you haven’t had a cavity in a while - you keep brushing to prevent problems. Movement works the same way.
This client was a convert once she discovered the power of exercise and how it positively impacted what she was able to do. Exercise has made her stronger and more capable.
Exercise is what keeps your muscles strong, your joints mobile, your energy up, and your pain down. It’s how you maintain the results you worked so hard for, and how you future-proof your body for everything you still want to do.
So yes, the frequency and intensity can change as your body adapts and improves, but movement itself? That’s for life.
Here are 5 Simple Ways to Stay Active and Strong
Move every day. Even short walks or gentle stretches count — consistency matters more than intensity.
Build strength. Include some form of resistance work 2–3 times a week to keep muscles and bones strong. eg squats and band pulls.
Work on balance. Standing on one leg or doing simple stability drills helps prevent falls and keeps you confident on your feet.
Stay mobile. Keep your joints moving through their full range — think bending, reaching, twisting, and rotating. If you have a stiff lower back, this is a good little back routine you can follow.
Ultimately, do what you enjoy. The best exercise is the one you’ll keep doing — find movement that feels good and fits your life.
Because staying strong, capable, and pain-free isn’t a short-term fix, it’s an ongoing investment in your health and freedom.
Do you need help with movement or getting fit? Book your complimentary Discovery Call to find out how you can start to future proof your body.
Sabrina is a movement specialist based in Worcester Park, London, helping people overcome pain, move better, and enjoy active, fulfilling lives. With expertise in sports and remedial massage, personal training, and the Emmett Technique, she works with clients to relieve pain, improve mobility, and build strength. Treatments and training sessions take place in her private home treatment and training room. If you would like to discuss your needs, book a Discovery Call.