Ditch the Drill Sergeant: Why "No Pain, No Gain" is Killing Your Fitness Journey
- Keeley Livingstone
- Jun 13, 2024
- 2 min read
The fitness industry is overflowing with messages that create an image of having to suffer in order to achieve your goals! What happened to just moving? Relishing in the way you can and are able, to move your body however you want to?
Slogans like "No pain, no gain," "bootcamps," and the relentless "go hard or go home" mentality might sound motivating on the surface, but for many people, especially those that already find the gym intimidating, or already struggle with anxiety, they're a turn-off.
Here's why this aggressive approach might be pushing you further away from your fitness goals:
Fear Factor: The idea of intense pain or pushing yourself to the point of exhaustion can be scary, especially for beginners. It creates a negative association with exercise, making it feel like something you dread rather than something to look forward to.
Injury Alley: Pushing through pain can lead to injuries, sidelining you completely. Sticking to a fitness journey is about consistency, and that requires listening to your body and prioritising proper form over brute force. There should be no pain for gains!
The Burnout Zone: Going at it 100mph every workout can lead to burnout. Your body needs time to recover and rebuild muscle. Again, consistency is key, not intensity. Emphasising consistency allows for long-term progress, keeps you motivated and is much more sustainable in a busy life schedule!
Making Fitness Exclusive: The "warrior mentality" can be alienating. It creates an image of fitness and exercise being only achievable by the young, the super-strong, or those with superhuman levels of willpower!
So, what am I trying to tell you?
Focus on making fitness enjoyable! Find activities you genuinely like, whether it's dancing, swimming, gym training, or team sports. Celebrate the small wins, listen to your body, and don't be afraid to modify exercises. Remember, consistency is key. A regular, enjoyable workout routine will get you better results, improve your overall wellbeing, including lowering your stress levels, than sporadic bursts of intense pain, that only add more stress to your body.
Here are some tips to jump-start your positive fitness journey:
Find your exercise jam: Try different things until you find something you actually enjoy and look forward to doing.
Start slow and progress gradually: Don't try to be a hero on day one. Begin with small achievable goals and gradually increase intensity and duration over time.
Listen to your body: Pain is a signal, not a badge of honour!! Take rest days when needed and don't push yourself through if you're uncomfortable.
Find a buddy: Having a friend to exercise with can boost motivation and make workouts more fun.
Celebrate your NSVs! (non-scale victories): Focus on how exercise makes you feel, not just numbers on the scale. Celebrate keeping up with the kids, running up the stairs without gasping, better sleep, or a new sense of accomplishment.
Remember, fitness "being fit" and wellbeing is a lifelong journey, a lifestyle. It's not a race to the finish line. Ditch the negative slogans, start focussing on enjoyment and consistency and you'll be well on your way to a healthier, happier you.
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