MARINE CORPS AIR STATION MIRAMAR, Calif. -- Pain is just weakness leaving the body- or is it? This popular Marine Corps saying can lead to short-term physical triumphs, like better physical fitness test scores, but may also lead to long-term injuries.

"I've never met a Marine that would say, 'Stop! You might twist your ankle.' It just isn't in their nature to worry about it," said Chief Petty Officer Clifford L. Ryan, aerospace medicine technician, Branch Medical Clinic, Marine Corps Air Station Miramar.

Ryan says Marines usually don't come into the BMC while the injury is still fresh.  "I'll get an answer like, 'I hurt it three days ago.' They don't usually come in right away, and that can lead to more serious injuries," said the Morgantown, W.Va., native.

"Marines with knee injuries continue to play football or soccer, and a strain becomes a ligament tear, or injury to the joint. An injury usually gets much worse before it gets better," Ryan said. "If they wait too long, they can end up with stress fractures which take much longer to heal."

According to Ryan, a Marine may put off going to a doctor to maintain full-duty status in order to continue to train with the unit. However, instead of missing a small portion of training during the initial healing process, the Marine only ends up aggravating the injury that may then take several months to heal.

"I'm not saying run to medical for every little ache and pain, but if you have an injury, get it evaluated," cautioned Ryan.

Ryan recently returned from Iraq where he heard a lot of comments like, "I can't stop to take care of it right now because we are busy."

Lance Cpl. Joel Padron, aviation technician, Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 11, Marine Aircraft Group 11, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, doesn't like to go to medical right away.

"I pulled a muscle in my shoulder because I didn't stretch before doing pull-ups. I regret that. I've (also) seen people hide injuries. There's a lot of the, 'It will go away eventually, (or) I'll walk it off' mentality. When all else fails, take Motrin," he said, laughing.

Marines who are too stubborn may avoid seeking help for too long. "You could end up being found not physically fit to remain on active duty by the time you finally have to come in," said Ryan, about stubborn Marines' iron will to stay out of the BMC.

"Everyone should seek to be physically fit as part of a Marine lifestyle, but don't injure yourself in the process and end up with a disability," said Ryan.

Some of Ryan's advice for preventing injury include replacing running shoes at least every six months, warming up, stretching, and cooling down during every workout and giving each muscle time to recuperate between workout sessions.

"There is still a lot of the old mentality that the only way to be physically fit is to run 100 miles a day for 100 days," joked Ryan. "I would go see one of the personal trainers they have at the gym instead."

"They have aerobics, yoga, spin classes, and all kinds of fitness programs for free," added Ryan.

"Everyday, I see a Marine trying to do a lateral pull-down (on a weight machine) behind the neck. It's dangerous. It must be done up front towards the chest. There are always Marines trying to impress each other, and they end up trying to lift too much weight without spotters. It's an easy way to hurt yourself," said Janis C. Rodriguez, fitness coordinator, Semper Fit Division, Marine Corps Community Services, Marine Corps Air Station Miramar.

In addition to training Marines safely, the trainers are also there to educate and help them either gain or lose weight. "We can train people the right way to get the most out of their workout. Each body is different, so what works for one person may not work for another," she added.

"It's important to go to a professional for advice and not just listen to someone who looks good. That person may have improper technique. Their joints may be suffering. Train for the future. It's a lifestyle technique," she said.

Rodriguez is one of many personal trainers on station who offer free physical fitness programs for all military identification card holders. Although all of her services are available to active duty, she is usually only approached by retirees, dependents and Marines referred to a training program by their command.

"All you have to do is call or walk in for an appointment. We have three gyms and at least ten fitness trainers," she said. "We'll restructure according to demand. It's good to come in with a buddy for spotting, but ask a personal trainer for help. There's a lot we can do."

Pain may be weakness leaving the body, but with proper training and education about physical fitness, that pain does not have to last forever.