Dr. Andrew Mock

Olympic athletes can gain hero status when they push themselves to the edge.

But when it comes to strength training for the rest of us, acute pain can be assigned to back off and modify, says Dr. Andrew Mock, a family physician who focuses on prevention and lifestyle medicine.

Mild temporary muscle soreness after exercise is normal and indicates muscle fibers are repairing and strengthening.

But severe pain lasting several days is a sign you may be overtraining.

Consistency can bring incremental progress and long-term benefits.