DENVER - As the old saying goes: "No pain, no gain." But according to fitness experts, pain is exactly what may stop some people from keeping their New Year's resolution to become more physically fit this year.
Experts at the National Academy of Sports Medicine say pain or injury are two of the most common reasons people stop working out.
According to Fabio Comana, senior fitness educator with NASM, sprained ankles are the most common workout injury followed by back, shoulder or leg pain.
Comana told 9NEWS while some muscle tenderness is to be expected after working out, severe, worsening, or ongoing pain may be a symptom of something more serious.
"I always tell people [to] listen to your body," Comana said. "If you start an exercise program and after the first week you're still experiencing symptoms such as muscle soreness, fatigue... maybe some swelling, those are red flags that have gone up telling you you did the wrong thing."
In order to avoid workout injuries that could lead to a doctor's visit or in extreme cases a trip to the emergency room, Comana says it's important to start any fitness routine slowly and build up the intensity of the workout over time.
"Unfortunately, the building of muscle doesn't happen overnight. It takes a good four to six weeks for it to start happening even though you're going to experience soreness within 12 to 72 hours," Comana said.
He says to help reduce muscle soreness it's important to stretch before and after a workout and recommends ice or other first aid items to help deal with normal discomfort.
However, he says if the discomfort persists the individual may want to consult with a NASM certified personal trainer or other fitness expert to make sure they are performing their exercises correctly and not injuring themselves in the process of working out.
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