Exercise offers tons of health benefits – from supporting brain and heart health to slowing the rate of aging. However, there are misconceptions about when exercise is appropriate. For example, if you’re suffering from joint pain or a cold, you’re told that shouldn’t exercise. But the truth is, exercise is useful in many different situations when you least expect it.

Below are some surprising situations where exercise can benefit you the most: When you’ve had a minor surgery – This can help decrease side effects and help you get back to your daily life faster. Of course, it is common sense to be mindful of the level of intensity, as this can stress a surgical incision. It’s best to do light exercises only. When you have a cold – Studies from the late 1990s found that exercising when you have a cold can give relief to symptoms. The virus doesn’t have any effect on the person’s lung function, ability to work out, or recovery speed. If you do have a cold, consider brisk walking or toning down your regular workout. When you have a headache – Physical activity can help relieve headaches by releasing endorphins, improving blood flow to your brain, and reducing muscle tension. When you’re pregnant – Regular moderate exercise can promote your and your baby’s health and improves mood. Pregnancy can be a demanding phase of life, but being fit will allow you to have an easier time. When you have joint pain – Exercise promotes joint health and even helps relieve any joint discomfort. Many people believe that movement can stress joint-related conditions, but it’s actually inactivity that can worsen these issues. When exercising with joint pain, it’s best to use assistive devices, or ask a therapist or trainer to help. When you’re menopausal – Just three hours of exercise per week can help improve the physical and mental state of menopausal women. It can also help relieve symptoms of menopause. When you’re suffering from chronic pain – Exercise is a long-term solution for numerous conditions, including chronic back and muscle pain. In addition to pain relief, exercise helps improve your body’s range of motion, posture, and functionality. Stretching, resistance training, and swimming are good exercises for chronic pain. When you want to quit smoking – Exercise can help you fight withdrawal symptoms and cigarette cravings. While exercise is highly beneficial for these situations, remember to listen to your body, especially if you’re suffering from a health condition or need to take a break. Incorporate even just a few minutes of exercise to your lifestyle. You’ll find that this will enhance your stamina and enable you to complete challenging workouts in the future.