Pain is a signal from the nervous system that tissue is or has been damaged. It is a sharp, shooting sensation that causes an immediate response (often a movement compensation). While the response can be overridden, it is normally not in your best interest to do so. The body is hard wired to avoid permanent damage, as this damage hinders efficient movement. Pain is communication from the body to avoid certain movements or positions to minimize the severity of an injury which could, in terms of survival, mean the difference between life and death. In the modern era, where the ability to move is not the difference between starvation and survival, this signal is still very important. Listening to your body, especially when it is shouting at you, is the difference between having a minor tweak that will be nothing but a memory in a few weeks and a major injury that could require months of recovery or possibly even surgery (with an even larger period of rehabilitation and recovery).
Lactic acid buildup, or burn, is discomfort that comes from a buildup of the byproducts of the chemical reaction that your body uses to engage and relax muscles. This is the "pain" referred to by novice fitness enthusiasts, and is one of the first signals of nearing the muscular endurance threshold. Once you can distinguish this sensation from actual pain, it can be very beneficial to work on overcoming the anxiety caused by this feeling and dismissed. Although it is not nearly as catchy, the phrase should read "no burn, no gain."
-Mark
mark@chifittraining.com
founder of Chicago Fitness Training
certified personal trainer
As always, if you are undertaking a new fitness regiment or returning after a long hiatus, make sure your doctor or licensed medical practitioner clears you for activity. Any movement that causes sharp pain or numbness should be immediately discontinued. If you have not previously been trained or coached in how to exercise, or feel uncomfortable with the concepts, please seek out a certified professional trainer to get you started safely.
I can be reached through the Chicago Fitness Training website, http://www.chifittraining.com/. Do not hesitate to ask if you need guidance.
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