My first year of college I joined the women’s rugby team. I got many comments,especially from my family members, asking me why I would do something like that to my body. Rugby is a tough sport, the only protective gear you’re allowed to use is a mouth guard. It leaves you in pain, covered in cuts and bruises for a week or more after every game. So i’m not surprised when people look at me like I’m crazy after I tell them I play. I don’t play because I like pain or because I have a death wish. I play simply because I enjoy it. Although the aftermath inevitably leaves me sprawled out in bed covered in ice bags, the feeling I get when I’m on the field is worth it.
I believe the same goes for situations where people go through painful body modification rituals, drink alcohol, or do any other thing that they know hurts their body. They like the way it makes them feel, they enjoy it.
So should we feel bad for doing the things we like doing even though it hurts us?
Unruly Bodies 
I can understand this. I’ve always wanted to join a roller derby team (even though I am not athletic) something about being really physical and rough with my body seems exciting and taking it to a different level that I’ve never been at before. I’ve always been dainty and careful with what I do, but even rugby has been a sport I’ve wanted to play. I think a lot of it also deals with a fear that I won’t be good enough, or I’ll get hurt over something simple and cry or whatever.
I don’t think we should feel ‘bad’ for doing things that can cause us pain. I don’t think pain is always a bad thing, it’s a part of the human body and life. Maybe it should be something that we explore more closely.
Interesting question! I can’t truly related to your post, but I have done other things to push myself and body out of my(their) comfort zone.
I am new to this country, language is new to me and many other activities that I do. When I push myself to do something, when I put myself through hard time some people are why are you doing this to you ? why are you hurting your body putting your health in the line for that good grade, success in that class, or to learn something new? To be honest is all because of that feeling that I get. Staying up late, not going out, staying in library for me is like being in the field !
I don’t think we should feel bad for doing things to our body that causes pain for us. Sometimes pain brings joy, but the understanding of our limit and not over doing it is very important. I think we have something new to study !