Why Do My Fingers Hurt?

Among the many things I’ve learned through my time in the weight room is how to listen to my body. How to notice subtle changes or sensations that I otherwise might not be paying close enough attention to without a consistent physical practice.

Last week, I couldn’t stop cracking my knuckles on my right hand. The joints felt swollen and sore whenever I would grab something. It didn’t hurt but it was frustrating. I kept thinking, what did I do?

It wasn’t anything in the gym, since I didn’t workout last week until Friday. And when I did, squeezing a barbell didn’t have any negative effects. It wasn’t until later that night that I had the realization of what it’s from.

Loading my wood stove. My fingers aren’t conditioned to grabbing heavy logs by the end and tossing them in the wood stove. We’ve only been running it regularly for a few weeks now.

I know this isn’t some riveting fitness insight, but the gym taught me to pay attention to how things feel, to notice new sensations and to be critical about how my body feels. I hope you’re developing the same awareness around how you move and feel as you go throughout your day.

Justin Miner