# How Much Discomfort is Ok? >[!example] 19 May 2023 #blog Pain or discomfort is not something to be afraid of. It is the body's way of telling us something different is happening. And if we always hide from that, then this can cause the body to become sensitised to the pain/discomfort. But it doesn't mean we push and push and push. It means we are sensible about how much discomfort is ok. There is evidence to suggest that exercises need to be painful in order to work. But there is also research suggesting that exercises should NOT be painful in order to work. And chances are the research will continue to change all the time. Using the traffic light scale can help us to know when we can do more and when to rest a little (or at least slow down a bit!). %% #update create own version of image in excalidraw %% ![[discomfort scale.jpeg]] So, for example, if you are doing something and feeling like a 1-4 during and 24 hours later, then great. You can probably go right ahead and do more. If you are hitting a 5-6 during or up to 24 hours afterwards, then I suggest maintaining that amount. That is until your body gets used to it. Then you can go ahead and increase. And if you're hitting 7+, you may have completed too much too soon. Take some active rest or slow down a little. Do this until the level drops a bit. So this isn't a perfect science; yes, it is subjective. But the whole point is to let you know that SOME discomfort is not a problem. But knowing when you can push a little more and when to back away is key. %% # Alternative Pain and discomfort is not something to be afraid of. It is simply the body's way of telling us that something different is going on. And if we always hide from that then this can cause the body to become sensitised to the pain/ discomfort.  But that doesn’t mean we push and push and push. It means we are sensible about how much discomfort is ok. Funnily enough there is evidence to suggest that exercises need to be painful in order to work AND there is also research to suggest that exercises should NOT be painful in order to work. (and chances are the research will continue to change all the time).  So really, it all comes down to you! I used to use a ‘pain scale’ but I believe there is a better way. What I believe is important is that the discomfort or pain needs to be ACCEPTABLE TO YOU! It is what YOU deem to be appropriate, during the exercise or activity, immediately after and 24 hours later.  You see, if you think that an uncomfortable exercise is going to harm you and I ask you to work into the pain then you’ll think I’m crazy and will stop doing it.  Or if you’re the type of person that thinks an exercise needs to be uncomfortable in order to work then if I give you something that isn’t then you’re probably not going to give it the time of day! So instead I’ll summarise again what I think is best… Working into pain and discomfort is OK proving that the level of pain and discomfort is acceptable to YOU and what you deem to be appropriate. It’s more of an art than a science. But in all honesty, YOU are the one who knows your body better than anyone.   But if you have any questions about this please message me.