Pain

Lots of people dread pain. So what do they do? They avoid it? Lots of these same people are the ones that sign up for a gym membership only to go a few times before going back to relaxing on the couch. If someone starts working out for the first time ever or in years, the old adage "No pain, no gain" may be true. And if you want to lose weight, you most often have to sweat. So that means that doing the stationary bicycle on Level Zero for twenty minutes a day may do close to nothing for healthy, fit individuals.

If you want muscle gain in strength and size, you often have to take your muscle beyond the work it usually does. Muscle fibers may tear and grow back, stronger and larger. You may feel pain that day of the next.

One of the most invaluable things about working out is that you get to know your body and yourself. You get to know what is bogus pain and what is real pain. For instance, if your toe or your stomach hurts a little, if you have a slight back pain or if you are a little drowsy and have a slight headache, that can be an excuse not to work out. There are times that I had pneumonia, a severe cold, little sleep, and major back pain, and I worked out. Now I don't suggest you do the same thing. I have been working out for years. But do not fool yourself into making excuses for yourself.

Rest is very important. If you have true pain or really need rest, skip a day at the gym. The pain can be good news: it can show you that you really need to see a physician or a chiropractor, rest, sleep or do something to de-stress. Learn to listen to yourself. And you bet you will, the more you work out!

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Disclaimer: Information on this blog is posted for information purposes, not as a substitute for professional medical advice.