Pain During Strength Training: Green, Amber or Red? A Physio Explains - Episode 50
🎙️ Episode 50:
Should you train through pain, or stop? As a physiotherapist, I give you a simple traffic light framework (green, amber, red) to make the right call every time.
Most people over 50 either quit too early or push through the wrong pain. In this episode, I break down exactly how to tell the difference, including why some discomfort is not just acceptable, but necessary for building stronger joints and tendons.
📘 Free Never Too Old to Lift eBook – https://nevertoooldtolift.com/ebook
In this episode, you’ll learn:
- The traffic light system for classifying pain during exercise (green, amber and red)
- The 0–10 pain scale rule and what your score actually means
- The 3 most common mistakes people make when pain shows up in training
- The 50% rule — how to manage a flare-up without losing your progress
- Why stopping completely is often the worst thing you can do
Whether you’re dealing with an arthritic knee, an Achilles problem, or you’re just not sure if what you’re feeling is normal muscle soreness or something more serious, this episode gives you a practical, evidence-based framework you can use immediately.
🕐 Timestamps
- 00:00 Pain and Training Dilemma
- 00:48 Traffic Light Framework
- 00:55 Green Pain & DOMS Explained
- 01:28 Amber Pain — Why Discomfort Can Drive Adaptation
- 03:00 Red Pain: When to Stop Immediately
- 03:21 The First vs Last Rep Test
- 04:41 The Pain Scale Rule & the 24-Hour Check
- 06:10 The 3 Most Common Mistakes
- 08:23 Flare-Ups & the 50% Rule 09:11 Regressions & Exercise Options
- 09:39 Resources & Wrap Up
❓ Got a question about training with pain? Leave it in the comments and I’ll answer it on the live Q&A, Wednesday 6th May.
Free Strength Training Masterclass: https://nevertoooldtolift.com/masterclass
Free Never Too Old to Lift eBook:
https://nevertoooldtolift.com/ebook
Paperback version of Never Too Old to Lift from Amazon https://geni.us/ntotlbook
Stronger for Life Course & Community – https://nevertoooldtolift.com/course
See me for an in-person physiotherapy appointment
https://christileyphysiotherapy.com/
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Disclaimer: Information provided is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider before starting any new exercise program.
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