I have long since given up on New Year’ resolutions…That’s exactly why the theme of our New Year Challenge is “Progress over Perfection”. It’s the motto at our studio that growth isn’t about flipping a switch; it’s about building habits that last, and, showing yourself grace along the way. The journey is where the magic happens – not in a single moment on January 1st, but in every choice you make, throughout the year.
That’s why I firmly believe, that one of the most important choices everyone needs to make, going into the new year, is what your attitude will be regarding pain and pleasure. And now I’m not referring to the kind of pain you feel during a toenail procedure or when you stub your small toe, or that painful moment when you finally get your jeans up and still can’t breathe after buttoning them! No. it’s a slightly different kind of pain…
When it comes to pain and pleasure, humans are short-term thinkers. We have a natural aversion to pain, even if it’s good for us in the long-term. The opposite goes for pleasure. Whatever feels better now, that’s what we’re inclined to do. This isn’t big news; we’ve known it all along. It’s why we reach for the bag of chips instead of the salad – even though we know better. It’s why we skip class, and why we give up on our goals so easily. The irony is, as much pleasure as it’s bringing us, it’s still causing us a bit of pain. As Anna Lembke writes in her book, “Dopamine nation”: “The reason we’re all so miserable may be, because we’re working so hard not to be miserable…”
Sure, let’s face it – if we could sculpt six-pack abs by binge watching Netflix and eating pizza, the world would be a happier (and far lazier) place. But success isn’t just the endgame – it’s in the moments of pushing yourself, failing, and rising again. It’s the highs that follow the lows, the sweat that comes before the glory. And here’s the kicker: it’s not about loving pain or revelling in struggle. It’s about loving success so damn much, that you’re willing to embrace every ache, and every challenging moment.
You can ask anyone of our previous 28 Challenge winners, and I’m sure they will tell you: “It’s not just the destination, but the tough, unpredictable ride that made their journeys worthwhile. It’s that strange and beautiful dance, between pain and pleasure…” That’s why we do it time and again – we’re not just sweating; we’re thriving, living for the next challenge, and embracing our inner fitness masochists.
But remember, it’s not the pain as such that we love; it’s the taste of fulfilment that keeps us coming back for more. This fitness journey is one exhilarating roller coaster that we gladly ride again and again! We’re not just in it for the gains and the glory. Nope. We’re here for the sweat, AND the occasional “why am I doing this to myself?” moments. And do you know the real reason why we smile when we suffer during a tough workout? It’s because we truly appreciate the aspect of being able to control something…
There are so many things in life you cannot control…Working out is the one time in a day where you can dictate where your pain comes from. You can control the level of resistance. You can control the amount of energy you exert…You can decide when enough is enough.
Whenever I have discussions with people who don’t exercise, it always comes down to one of two things – not having time to exercise, or, not finding the motivation to start. I think, when you’re a beginner, the tug of war between pain and pleasure is tougher. I mean, who would want to put yourself through pain, not be able to move for days after your first training session, as well as prove to yourself how unfit you really are? It’s much easier to eat something nice and relax with a glass of wine and forget about it.
The trick is to make being unfit or overweight MORE painful in your mind than the pain of a workout. Eventually, the pleasure of feeling and looking great, becomes the motivation in itself. It really does! I promise you. At some point you may find that you actually enjoy exercising, and one day you suddenly realize – you train, because that’s what you do, and who you are. That’s what Mark Twain meant when he wrote: “The secret of getting ahead is getting started.”
And that is exactly what the neuroscientist, Abhijit Naskar, refers to when he says: “Pleasure and pain participate equally in moulding character.” The pain in fitness has a purpose – it leads to growth, and it allows us to discover our strength, our endurance, and our ability to overcome.
For too long, fitness has been seen as a punishment, something we “have” to do to achieve a certain look or to lose weight. But fitness is so much more than that. It’s about connecting with your body, and, celebrating what you’re capable of.
…Pain and pleasure are a package deal. You can’t fully savour the sweetness of success without embracing the discomfort that comes with earning it. So, maybe it’s time to see pain not as the enemy, but as a slightly annoying yet loyal companion on the road to something amazing. Pain can be that much dreaded burpee in your workout, while pleasure is the sweet satisfaction of collapsing on the mat afterward. Pain might be waking up early for a 5.10 class, but pleasure is knowing you’ve earned that post-workout coffee. It’s all about perspective!
So, lace up your shoes, crank up your favourite workout jam, pitch for class, and embrace the glorious chaos of the pain-pleasure partnership. When your sweat glands are in overdrive, smile. When your legs are plotting mutiny, grunt. When your lungs are filing for divorce, breathe, and push through.
A painful journey? Yes, sometimes. Worth it? Absolutely.
So, in the tug of war of the two “P’s”, let’s choose to embrace both, for within their balance, lies the power to transform!
Yours in fitness
Mirna
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