The adage "No pain, No gain", what does it mean to you?...Seems easier to say it when you're not working out.

Question

Pain during workout... how many people here are encouraged or discouraged by pain during their workouts? Personally, knowing that I'm trying to get into peak condition for soccer, I can mentally push myself at least SOMETIMES when the pain doesn't discombobulate my senses (especially during sprints)
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Answer 1

I used to think that, until I sprained my ankle about a month and a half ago ( I was not excersizing at the time, but that's another story ) and I decided to think "No pain, No gain" with my workout plan, kept going about three miles a day and it made it worse. I'm finally to the point now, and for the last few weeks, where it doesn't feel like pins and needles when I go down a flight of stairs. I think that pain is a means of telling you when you've had too much.

Answer 2

It's like a challenge, how hard can I push myself today? What's the point of training if I am not out to break a threshold of some sort, no matter what side affects come with it?

Having had some extensive injuries and being told that I may never walk again, I have taken pain head on and overcome it. The difference between soreness and pain is staggering; some people call soreness pain when they have never felt real pain. I recall saying "Yes, it hurts, but I am going to keep doing it because I am not a quitter." I would break a sweat in physical therapy just from the pain of trying to stand up for four minutes. Once you have felt a pain like that and you know that if you sit down now you might never be able to walk again, you are much more apt to grit your teeth and bear it.

I have since not only learned to walk again but am now a competitive triathlete. Every time I feel a soreness or a pain from training or racing I thank God for that feeling because it means I am moving and I can not only walk but run and swim (something else I was told I might never do again at one point) and bike. To me, pain is a challenge. Pain wants to bring me down. And it has. But I always get back up. Because no matter what pain can bring to the table, my spirit can bring more!!!

Answer 3

I prefer to think that while you're running, it might seem really painful, and all you want to do is stop, but after you wont feel a thing, so you may as well keep running.

It's also a bit of a mental thing, particularly running long distance. If you focus on the burning in your lungs etc, it will feel worse. Focus on your surroundings of you're running casually, and if you're running in a race, either concentrate on your closet opponent and try and match their steps or concentrate on your running style.

I say, without pain then you ain't going to get anywhere in regards to fitness!

Answer 4

If your not out there 'pushing' yourself then it's not worth the time or effort. I think the 'pain' the quote refers to is just that; your ability to push yourself, breath hard, sweat a ton and be wiped out at the end of your work out. The 'pain' is how much you challenge yourself to give it 110%. It builds your physical body and emotional strength.

Answer 5

If it is the natural long run when your body are tired, you have minor cramps, your breathing heavy, then I agree with it. But if the pain is unusual (or a sharpness in a pain) i would say stop if your feel it.

Answer 6

nobody likes pain......... in fact we hate it...... all of the things we do.... we do to avoid pain, or gain pleasure....... but for me to get maximum pleasure, I tell myself that I got to pay the price... no pain no gain....... (its got to do with delayed gratification, for example... I do 50 pushups...... as I do them I mentally recite a poem or song, but before I do them... I tell myself that if I keep it up, I'll maintain a healthy body... and I'll feel better.... I wont get no pleasure now, but in the long run... I willl... so basicallly no pain no gain to me means, "pay the price now, and get the goods later"

Answer 7

It means if you don't feel pain and discomfort, you're not getting any better or anything out of it.

Answer 8

with out pain in ur muscles, u dont become fitter

Answer 9

I am more with the motto: when it hurts you stop!