What should a trainer instruct a client to do if an exercise becomes painful?

When a client experiences pain during an exercise, the most appropriate course of action is to stop the exercise entirely. Pain is an important signal that the body is sending, indicating that something may be wrong or that the exercise is not being performed correctly. Continuing an exercise in the presence of pain can lead to further injury or exacerbate existing conditions.

Stopping allows the trainer to assess the situation further, determine the cause of the pain, and ensure the client's safety. This approach also emphasizes the importance of listening to one's body and avoiding pushing through discomfort that could lead to more serious issues.

While modifying the exercise is a valid response to some discomfort, if pain is present, stopping the activity entirely ensures that the risk of injury is minimized.