The saying “No pain, no gain” deserves some attention.
I spend a lot of my time around people and trainers in the gym. I have seen many people working out to total exhaustion almost to the point of being sick and then I have seen some people leave the gym looking just like they did when they walked in.
Their hair is not out of place, no sweat to be found on their bodies; well they just look too comfortable during their workouts.
So what is the answer, should your workout be painful?
I am a wellness coach and I encourage my clients to work at a level that is extremely challenging to them, not comfortable, but not in pain. There is a huge difference in feeling challenged and feeling real pain.
Learning to distinguish between the two is a must for the exercise enthusiasts.
My job is to help my clients know and feel the difference. Don’t get me wrong when I train a client we kick some bootie, but are careful not to go too far.
When people begin an exercise program it is very normal to experience some muscle aches and soreness.
However, training to the point of pain in the joints, muscle strain and ligament or tendon strains has no place in the world of wellness.
After all, we are in the gym or outside to enhance our wellness, not send us to an orthopedic surgeon. If you are training to the point of pain you will most likely experience overuse injuries (physiological) and or burnout (physiological).
As I write this I am truly aware of the fact that most people do not push themselves hard enough in their workouts, so I am not giving them an excuse to lower the intensity, just a reminder that their workouts should be very challenging, make them sweat and take the muscle groups to fatigue, but not leave them crippled.
Learn to train S.M.A.R.T. Set Specific goals do not be vague, Measurable Goals (goals should have concrete criteria for measuring progress), Achievable goals (should be challenging but within your capabilities), Rewards (reward yourself along the way as you reach certain milestones, new shoes a pedometer a massage etc…), Time defined (establish some time frames for your goal) in other words, I will run a 5K in eight weeks.
Wellness is not about achieving success and then stopping, it’s about a lifetime commitment to physical activity that is safe and effective, helping you to establish an excellent quality of life for the time that you are here on this earth.
“No Pain, No Gain” is history just like our black and white televisions. Learn to redefine your perception of exercise. Move into the future with confidence so you can enjoy a healthier, happier, more active life.
Linda Stollings is a personal fitness trainer in Bristol, Tenn. Email her at lstollings@fitprescriptions.com.
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