Something hurts — should I train?

Pain is a sign that something is wrong. We know that. But should we push on, take a break, or perhaps see a doctor?

First, when something hurts, it doesn't mean something is seriously wrong. Pain after training is often a sign that we overdid it — but in training that isn't bad. Every workout is damaging to muscle, but these microscopic injuries signal to the body that it needs to build bigger and stronger muscle. Pain in that sense can be a good sign. You will feel this muscle soreness most strongly around 24 hours after training, and if you ask me, it's the best feeling in the world because I know I did the right thing in training.

Pain that starts during training isn't always a catastrophe either. The most common training injuries are soft-tissue injuries (tendons and their attachments), and they are mostly mild strains. This pain will start during training and increase over the next 24 hours. It will respond well to a little Brufen, but don't insist on putting too much load on those tendons for the next 4–5 days. That certainly doesn't mean you shouldn't move. Gentle exercise, stretching to the point of pain and a little beyond, and in a few days you will feel better.

Pain that starts during training and is immediately intense is the pain that worries us. It generally involves more substantial soft-tissue damage — the recommendation is to have an ultrasound to assess the condition and determine treatment. Still, remember: in most cases, movement is part of healing, not a threat.

Situations in which you should postpone training and see a doctor immediately include: numbness on the inner thighs, problems urinating or controlling bowel movements, and worsening leg weakness. Pain that doesn't subside even at rest and wakes you at night also deserves attention. These signs are rare, but they should not be ignored.

In brief: if there are no warning signs, keep moving. Adjust the intensity, be patient and gradually regain strength. The body loves movement — it just needs time.