After exercise, does soreness mean you had a good work-out?

Question

For a while, I thought that if you're sore after, or the next morning after working out, that means you had a good one.

However, I noticed that I get sore only for about a few days, and after a few sessions of the same routine, I'm no longer sore afterwards.

Now I'm speculating that soreness just means that your muscles aren't yet used to working that way, but once they do, you don't get sore anymore? But that's just what I think. Does anyone know what sorenss really means?

Answer 1

The soreness is from lactic acid buildup in the muscles. Exercise causes lactic acid formation. Muscles that are not used to work don't clear out the lactic acid efficiently, so it sticks around and makes you sore. When you work out, you can clear the acid and don't get as sore. When I no longer get sore from a workout, I usually try using more weight or switching up the routine. This causes "muscle confusion" and makes the workouts more effective. Even so, I only get mildly sore for a few hours. Basically, if you don't get sore it means that your muscles are in good shape, are working properly.

Answer 2

That old saying of "no pain, no gain" is obsolete. It is expected that you be sore for a period of time after working out. I would get so sore and shaky I could not write without my hand shaking. After awhile your body will get loosened up and be more limber. The soreness will go away. It all depends on your body. That's why a lot of people quit working out after a short time. They can't stand the initial pain involved. Just continue to work out normally and be sure to not overdo it. To help recover quicker you can drink a glass of milk after your work out. The milk proteins help to ease the tension in your muscles which causes pain. Stay away from those mixes etc found at GNC. They are expensive and work the same as milk or Gatorade. Also, be sure to vary your routine and work different muscle groups. Best of luck, stick with it and soon you will begin to see results.

Answer 3

Soreness Mean

Answer 4

There are basically two types of workout and soreness associated with each. For aerobic workout, the soreness is related to energy use and fuel/waste in and around the muscle. For anaerobic/weight lifting, the soreness is related to tissue damage as the muscle is torn down and later rebuilt. You can overdo either type. You're better off working out with someone who knows the ropes. With experience you'll learn what it normal. Good luck! Hang in there.

Answer 5

The soreness does indeed mean that your muscles aren't used to working that way yet. And if you get too sore, you need to take it easy on the exercise- but don't stop moving altogether: That's what gets the lactic acid out of your muscles so you won't get even more sore.

Answer 6

You know its a good workout when you can't take off your shirt after. soreness is a good thing, its because your muscles tear and rebuild with more muscle. not working out in a while will just make you sore faster cause like you said your not used to it, but increase the weight and how hard you workout and you will be sore again.