Posted on 7th Oct 2011 @ 1:26 PM

Some people love the pain that accompanies working out. They like to think of it as fear leaving their bodies. For others, though, pain is a sign that their bodies don't want to move and should be left alone. Preferably on the couch, while eating chips, and watching terrible TV.

The truth, of course, is probably somewhere in between. Sometimes, pain is a signal to take it easy, and sometimes you can push through it to get to the fitness results that (sadly) only arrive after exertion. But how do we know which is which? And are there any ergonomic products that can help us safely work out through pain? (Hint: There are. Of course there are.)

When to Stop

• If pain is distracting, sharp, or sudden, you should stop exercising immediately. Sudden pain is a sign of injury, and shouldn't be taken lightly. It's possible to exacerbate your injury by toughing it out.
• If you experience severe pain that worsens as your workout continues, or if you begin to limp or otherwise compensate for discomfort, stop exercising immediately.
• Other signs of overtraining include loss of strength, feeling tired or burned out, or getting more colds and flus than usual.

When to Push Through

• You're experiencing mild muscle soreness. This is the bad news: A certain amount of soreness is to be expected from exercise. In fact, you should probably even be hoping for it, since minor muscle aches are a sign that you're breaking down the muscle. Without that muscle breakdown, you can't build new, stronger muscle.
• Pain is dull, not distracting, and doesn't affect your form.
• Pain develops gradually about 12 to 48 hours after activity, and goes away on its own without intervention. Well, beyond the runner's favorite, RICE therapy. In this case, RICE stands for Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation, and it can help minimize pain or shorten its duration.

How to Avoid Pain Altogether

In addition to our old friend RICE, you can minimize pain by buying the right equipment. Properly fitted shoes are a must. Choosing exercise that is geared toward your weak spots are also a good idea. (In other words, if you're someone who has lots of knee issues, maybe swimming is a better bet than running.)

If you continue to experience problems, you can ask your doctor about braces and wraps, but don't prescribe for yourself: A poorly-fitted bandage is worse for your joints than none at all.