PAIN & GAIN
The common proverb for weight training is: “No pain, no gain.” I’ve quickly learned two things about this maxim: it’s right and it’s wrong. (Keep in mind that I'm not a medical professional in any way.)

As my workouts have increased in intensity there has been serious discomfort during the workouts, such as having to stop for a breather during a set because I’m not strong enough yet to finish it. My heart rate shoots through the roof when I circuit train because I’m not taking very long rest periods in between sets (45 – 60 seconds max). At the end of my workouts, I’m usually dripping with sweat, which is a very good thing.

The soreness that comes after the workouts is there as well, but I’ve learned to appreciate it. I know that it’s there because my muscles are healing and getting stronger for the next session. I saw an ROTC student with a t-shirt from the U.S. Marines that read, “Pain is weakness leaving your body.” I keep that in mind when a sore muscle decides to sing out a bit.

But the NPNG philosophy is also wrong because that type of mindset can lead to serious injury. Pain can be an alert that something is wrong and that you should BACK OFF and let your body heal. Some years ago, my back was sore but I ignored it and tried to workout. When I tried to do bent-over rows with dumbbells (where you bend over and pull the weight up to your chest), my back decided to scream out a heavy metal version of the “Battle Hymn of the Republic.” I could barely walk for a few days. Sleeping was a horror because my back would stiffen up during the night and getting up from my bed was murder.

Don’t even ask about going to the bathroom (I know you won’t, but still. . .).

So if you’re exercising, taste the pain and enjoy it and use it.

And respect it.