Q & A - Working Through the Pain

QUESTION:


Wow....13 pounds in one month. How do people seem to lose it so fast?

I've been doing cardio and some (but very little) weight lifting. I was sore maybe...the first day after the workouts? But haven't gotten sore since just that one day...and I read your "no pain, no gain" post in which you basically said..."yes, you need pain for the workouts to be beneficial."
I don't know if I'm not pushing myself enough, but I thought that slow and steady will gradually work as well. Is this not true? When I DO push myself to the point where my muscles ache the next day, I absolutely DREAD going back to the workout and I usually don't because...the pain just isn't worth it I guess. I go back to slow and steady, but I worry it's not actually benefiting me.

ANSWER:  


I think you have to challenge yourself to a certain extent.  Pain is a good indication of a successful strenuous workout.  Strenuous workouts result in a large amount of calories being burned which is great for weight loss.  Pain after workout out is simply the buildup of lactic acid in the muscle from fatigue.  This pain will eventually subside regardless of how hard you workout in most cases.  Your body will get used to the strain put on the muscle and will not be as sore over time with the same amount of strain.  The more you workout the less painful it should be.  


If you are in severe pain the day after workout out DO NOT work out in a way that involves that area (if your legs hurt do not do strenuous cardio or lift weights with your legs.  Instead lift weights with your upper body, do low intensity cardio, or take the day off and get back to the gym the next day. Everytime you go to the gym i believe you should push yourself because it will strengthen your muscles so they can handle more strain, and to burn more calories during and after the workout.  You do not need to be in a state of pain to see results; this is simply a good indicator that you have pushed yourself and that the workout was strenuous ( depending on how advanced you are with working out you can burn the same amount of calories and not be sore as someone working out and being very sore.)   A workout without pain afterwards will be beneficial just like a workout that involves pain.  During a workout try to elevate your heart rate because this will burn more calories.  A workout that is easy is not worth it in my opinion; I try to push myself every time I step into the gym in order to see results.

As with anything on my blog, this is my opinion and you should never do anything to the point of severe pain.  See a doctor before strenuous exercise and to get a medical opinion.

Tony isn't a licensed nutritionist yet, so he can't give anyone advice on what  to do.  Please consult your doctor for his professional opinion on a diet/nutrition program that will work for you.

Tony's blog is a journal of his experiences and what has worked for him.   He lists general guidelines and suggestions only.  He is NOT a professional.