To achieve greater fitness in the gym or get a strenuous job done quicker, it can be very tempting to push through your pain barrier. Of course, to achieve results and avoid being on a plateau in a fitness regime it is important to challenge yourself physically and even mentally. However, failure to heed the body's warning signs could lead to injury and potential health problems.

How can you get a difficult job done or reach new levels in your fitness program without injuring yourself? The key is in taking things one step at a time. Don’t be afraid to push yourself to progress, but don't punish yourself. Know your limits and rest when you need to take a break.

It can help to set up achievable goals in a specific time period. This can give you the motivation to keep going, but it can also help you move forward in your fitness program. Goals also give you a chance to measure past successes, which in itself can be a motivating factor for you to keep going.

Article Sources:

1. Accidents or unintentional injuries. National Center for Health Statistics.
2. 6 ways to avoid workout injuries. WebMD.com.
3. Stretching: focus on flexibility. Mayoclinic.org.
4. Hip Abductor Weakness in Distance Runners with Iliotibial Band Syndrome. Clinical Journal of Sport Medicine.