Sports Medicine Doctor to NFL Players: Ditch the 'No Pain, No Gain' Mentality

Business Insider · 2026-11-02
Sports Medicine Doctor to NFL Players: Ditch the 'No Pain, No Gain' Mentality

Dr. Aaron Mates, a sports medicine physician who works with NFL and MLB athletes, is urging everyday people to abandon the 'no pain, no gain' mindset. He warns that pushing through pain can lead to serious injuries and long-term damage. Instead, he advocates for listening to your body and adopting sustainable habits to stay active for life. Mates emphasizes that pain is a signal, not a challenge to overcome. By respecting that signal, people can avoid setbacks and maintain their fitness routines. He shares practical advice on how to train smarter, not harder, and why recovery is just as important as the workout itself. The key takeaway: longevity in fitness comes from consistency and smart choices, not from fighting through discomfort.