We have all heard the 80’s exercise catch phrase “No Pain, No Gain”.  When Jane Fonda was spouting it off, she was mostly referring to the accumulation of lactic acid in our muscles during anaerobic work, leading to the common burning sensation – remember “Feel the Burn” as well?  Today, I want to take a step back and talk about the benefits of discomfort, in terms of exercise, health, and personal growth.

Let’s face it: exercise can be uncomfortable.  Burning lungs come from a running pace that is a little faster, held for a little longer.  Sore muscles linger for days after lifting a weight that is a heavier, or for one or two more reps.  Holding a stretch deeper or longer can be painful.  Despite all this, when done the right way, with proper guidance and instruction, this pain makes us healthier.  This discomfort results in a healthier heart, stronger muscles, or better coordination and balance.  We are better for enduring what we do.  With the pain of exercise comes positive change in health. 

Don’t misunderstand – pain is our body’s way of telling us that something is wrong.  Even the discomfort of a stretch is the body telling us, “You’re getting awfully close to going too far.”  It is incredibly important to be able to distinguish between pain and discomfort.  And we also have to be able to realistically determine what pain is and what discomfort is.  Unreasonably low levels of tolerance for discomfort – whether out of fear, laziness, or unfamiliarity – will sidetrack any positive changes we wish to see. One of the many values of a professional trainer is to help you with this, if it isn’t something you are comfortable with. 

But the fact remains: if we push ourselves through pain that we know we can endure, we will inevitably come out better on the other side.  We will not only have a stronger, healthier body and mind; we will be able to handle even more the next time around.

Often, with change comes pain.  This is true for many things in life: exercise and lifestyle modifications, changing jobs or careers, moving into or out of relationships.  Numerous things that change us in life bring with them the pain of change.  But as long as we have a purpose for this change, we can endure it.  And come out better for it.  We shouldn’t shy away from what might bring discomfort, but hold strong to our purpose and let it come, with the belief and assurance that we will be better when we are through.

Let yourself embrace the discomfort in life.  In exercise it will lead to better health.  In life it will lead to better things.  Maybe Jane had it right – “No pain, no gain.”