$Unique_ID{BRK01174}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{No Gain Without Pain?}
$Subject{exercise pain aerobic musculoskeletal system stretching muscles
low-impact swimming light weight lifting aerobics lifestyle lifestyles
exercises exercising muscle}
$Volume{M-23}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991-92,1993   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


No Gain Without Pain?


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QUESTION:  I believe you when you encourage us to get more active, and
probably would try, but when I speak to people who seem to know they tell me
that there is "no gain without pain".  Sorry, but I am a coward and can't see
the sense of damaging my joints and enduring more aches than I already have.
You will have to do a better job to convince me.

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ANSWER:  You're right--there is no upside to causing yourself injury in order
to improve your health.  However, your question is based on some common
misconceptions regarding exercise.
     First of all, throw that "no pain, no gain" concept out the window where
it will probably hit one of the masochists who believes in it on the head (a
sensation that person will no doubt enjoy).  It's simply not necessary to
exercise to and beyond the point of pain to benefit yourself.  The best
approach is to condition your muscles slowly to deal with higher levels of
performance.  A little soreness in the days after stretching unused muscles is
normal, but pain during exercise is a no-no, and a cue to stop or avoid
putting stress on the tender area.
     Nor are the body's joints automatically subject to damage during
exertion.  A variety of low-impact exercises, including swimming, light weight
lifting, and simple aerobics will benefit your health without risking your
body--while mixing a variety of options will keep your exercise program from
growing stale and boring.
     A little exercise can go a long way too--as little as three weekly
workouts lasting 20 to 40 minutes each can extend life and help fight
cardiovascular and respiratory diseases.  You can check with your local "Y" or
exercise center to find out about programs that will put your fears to rest
and your body to work.  And check with your own doctor, who may be able to
advise you of exercises that may benefit your personal health, as well as the
limits that you should respect.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.