No pain no gain
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No pain, no gain (or "No gain without pain") is an exercise motto that came to prominence in the bodybuilding community. It expresses the belief that solid large muscle is a result from hard training and repeatedly suffering sore muscles, implying that those who avoid pain will never reach professional level of bodybuilder.
The expression has also been adopted in other areas, notably as a slogan implying that attempts to make progress in some personal goal, that avoid discomfort, are in a way illegitimate or cheating, and probably (in the view of the speaker) will either fail or not last, because of the use of a shortcut. For example, weight loss which is planned to be achieved through stomach surgery rather than by the long term self-denial of dieting.
It is questionable whether the phrase is accurate for either usage. In regards to the former usage, DOMS (Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness) and a necessary level of intensity may part of muscle hypertrophy, but there is little research to back the claim that muscle soreness is directly correlated with muscle growth. In fact, the principles of hypertrophy-specific training (HST developed by Bryan Haycock) don't include DOMS as a necessary requirement to muscle growth. Furthermore, in some instances, pain is a signal of injury that should be heeded rather than revered.
In terms of the expression used for development, the discomfort caused may be beneficial in some instances while detrimental in others.
The expression has been adopted in a variety of sports and fitness activities.
In Pirkei Avot 5:21 it is written that "Ben Hei Hei would say: According to the pain is the gain."
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