Think about the quotes you see on Instagram: “Go hard or go home,” “The only workout you regret is the one you skipped,” or “Unless you puke, faint, or die, keep going.”



We’re here to tell you that these clichés are a load of crap. In fact, sometimes, they can be dangerous. There certainly are times you should skip the gym and rest up, or at least dial down the intensity a few notches. And one of the best reasons to do so is if you’re feeling pain when you’re lifting.

The problem is, lots of guys don’t see the problem with pushing through a session if they’re in pain. After all, lifting weights is supposed to hurt, right? Not exactly. While some muscle soreness is to be expected in the day or two after when you’re pushing heavy weight, nagging pain during exercise needs to be addressed ASAP.

“Ignoring weightlifting pain can result in additional inflammation and trauma to the tissue in and around the joints. It can also lead to more chronic degenerative issues over time including wear and tear of the joints and cartilage, degeneration of the tendons, and early-onset arthritis,” explains Paul Mostoff, D.P.T., chief of physical therapy at All Sports Physical Therapy in New York City.

Here’s everything you need to know about five specific weight lifting pains that pop up while you’re lifting. If you're dealing with any of these injuries, take a few days off from the gym, then ice the area and, if needed, take anti-inflammatory medications. If you're still feeling symptoms after several weeks, it's time to see a doctor.

