If you do not think that working out is painful, you will not get any benefit from it.
You’ve all heard it: “No pain, no gain”. Fitness influencers on social media are quick to promote a world where you have to work out to achieve your goals. But how difficult is too much?
You should never hear a professional athletic trainer suggest painful exercises to achieve gains. We need to understand why some people have never told people that they should go through some kind of pain in order to gain a lot of muscle. Instead, experts say that “no pain, no gain” is a myth.
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What does “no pain, no gain” mean?
Gym-Goers often quote this motto as a way to encourage themselves to push through hard workouts. Many gym-goers believe that if you are not able to feel pain while you exercise, you are not working hard enough to be physically strong.
It is believed that you should exercise until you feel pain. It is during these painful times that you will begin to build up the endurance and toughness that will allow you to exercise and become more physically fit.
Is that true?
The problem with “no pain, no gain”
Pain is a signal to your body that it is time for you to stop what you’re doing Pain can be linked to a variety of causes, but one thing is for sure: The brain doesn’t send the signal to test how tough you are. It is a warning signal.
If you disregard the pain signals that you are given, you are putting your body in danger. Pushing forward even when you are very hurt can cause you harm. It can cause serious injuries. It is necessary to know what triggers the pain signal and how you should react.
Why do I feel pain when exercising?
Pain means that there is something wrong with the current exercise. But it could be linked to your overall fitness level at the time or even your posture. The sooner you understand where the issue comes from, the sooner you can react to it accordingly.
Pain signals that you are doing the same exercise too often. It can cause injury if you continue to do the same exercise all the time. This could lead to muscle strains or fractures in severe situations. Varying the exercises you do and paying attention to what your body is telling you can help prevent this from happening.
When you feel pain when doing a movement that you should not do, it may be that you are not aligning your body correctly. If you use a round back while you are doing a bodyweight exercise, you might be creating a problem. Practicing with an experienced personal trainer can ensure you master the right postures. Pain can be your indicator that your performance is improper, for example, lifting weights with a rounded back.
Even though pain may help you challenge yourself, it does not mean you must keep going if you continue to suffer pain. Pain is the way your brain is trying to tell you to stop what you are doing.
Muscle soreness vs. pain
Most people mistake pain for muscle soreness when they work out. People develop sore muscles, or delayed onset muscle soreness, which is a natural response to any challenging routine. It is annoying and painful, but usually disappears after a short rest. Sore muscles affect all the muscles that you’ve worked.
On the other hand, pain is more localized and can be sharp. It can limit your range of motion. It can appear only for specific movements and pressure points. When it is associated with pain, it may lead to swelling, an inflammatory reaction, or even bruising. This type of pain is indicative of a risk of injury or an existing injury. It is very important that you stop doing what you are doing when you feel pain.
Are you looking to improve your fitness levels, but you struggle with persistent pain? It can be helpful to reach out to your doctor to check for potential injuries or weaknesses. You should also spend time practicing good postures and proper techniques when you work with a good personal trainer.
Want more information on getting fit and healthy naturally? Future Fitness offers a team of fitness experts who can provide people with the best fitness advice and services to help them feel as comfortable as possible while they work out.