“No pain, no gain” is a familiar catchphrase. The words ring true for a variety of situations.

People who suffer injuries—burns, a broken arm, a ruptured Achilles tendon, and a strained hamstring—must work through the pain of physical therapy (PT) to heal. The pain of rehab intensifies for those dealing with spinal cord issues, amputations, and brain lesions. 

Two of my friends have undergone knee replacement surgery. One attacked the rehab like her life depended on it, and I believe her quality of life did depend on her “no pain, no gain” attitude. 

The other friend said the post-surgery exercises were painful. She scaled back on the PT workouts.

Guess which friend bounced back with better mobility than before? Which one continues to deal with knee issues?

Those are “master of the obvious” questions. No hints required.

Some give Jane Fonda credit for coining the “no pain, no gain” quote. 

In her early 1980s aerobic workout videos, Fonda used “no pain, no gain” and “feel the burn” to push her followers to keep going and finish strong.

Jane was correct. Sweat and pain are key to maintaining a fit body. Strenuous exercise is a good kind of pain that produces healthy results. 

Athletes endure the physical pain of competition to reach their goals. They train their minds away from the agony and focus on the rewards.

That’s how I approached childbirth, as the ultimate competition.

I said to myself, “Self, you are in labor, yes, but you are healthy, well, and strong.”  

I reminded myself that every pain carried me one step closer to the win. I fixed my attention on the prize I would hold in my arms.

It worked, for me at least.

 Still, “no pain, no gain” is not just a physical philosophy. 

Long before Jane Fonda, Benjamin Franklin said, “Industry need not wish, and he that lives upon hope will die fasting. There are no gains without pains.” 

In other words, “A star is not going to fall on your head and make you a star.” That’s what I told my children.

You may not believe the old “I walked 10 miles to school, uphill in snowstorms, at 6 AM every morning after feeding the chickens and milking the cows” story. But there is something to be said for fighting through adversity.

Students who want to make good grades must sacrifice play for study. They must be willing to struggle through difficult books and write papers on subjects that might not make sense to them at the time. 

During Gary’s journey to become a veterinarian, we discovered the true meaning of the word “essentials.”  He worked summers, I worked year-round, and we sold the non-essentials—class rings, wedding gown, etc.—to keep food in the fridge, gas in the car, and heat and air flowing in the house.  

What we gained in self-reliance was far greater than any pain we may have felt in parting with “stuff.”  Those lessons in prioritizing and solving problems came in handy when we started a family and opened a business. They continue to benefit us as we navigate our way through life.

Long before Jane Fonda and Benjamin Franklin, the Bible expressed “no pain, no gain” spiritual rewards throughout scripture.

James 1:2 says, “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.”

2 Timothy 4:7 talks of fighting the good fight, finishing the race, and keeping the faith. 

Romans 8:18 says, “…the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.”

Physical effort. Mental perseverance. Spiritual endurance. 

“No pain, no gain” is a colossal “catchphrase” that produces mighty results.