To Strive Toward Soreness or Not?

sillyme · 18-Jun-05, 11:26 PM

I lift three days per week, and do HIIT 5 days/wk.
When I lift I push myself to the highest weight I can while still maintaining good form. But, I NEVER get sore. I don't understand why I'm never sore.

Do you think that I'm not pushing myself hard enough? Do you get sore?

**threenorns** · 18-Jun-05, 11:33 PM

i get so sore sometimes with the DOMS that it's hard to put a shirt on or go up stairs.

but that doesn't mean you should be getting that - that's just me and my physiology.

CF-OC_gal · 18-Jun-05, 11:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sillyme

Do you think that I'm not pushing myself hard enough? Do you get sore?

That is so hard to say without knowing you.

I get sore enough to notice my workout , but choose to workout at less than crippling DOMS level strictly because it's an annoyance throughout the day when it happens. I can live with the lessor results and longer timeframes.

sillyme · 19-Jun-05, 01:38 AM

I used to get sore, but I don't anymore. My workout partner is a bit more of a beginner than I. I wonder if unconsciously I work less hard in order to not leave her in the dust (she tries to keep up with me). I know that I do get concerned about her injuring herself sometimes.

**threenorns** · 19-Jun-05, 04:35 AM

that could very well be. another possibility is an innate politeness - you hold yourself back so as not to appear to be "showing off" or make her feel inferior.

Silver90 · 27-Jul-05, 12:31 AM

It sounds as though you need to vary your routine. You are pushing yourself, but you need to change it up. Your body has become accustomed to the workout, so change the particular order, the number of reps, same weight, etc. For instance, lighten the weight and add more reps. The next workout instead of stopping with the routine that you normally end up with, continue on with additional reps at lighter weight and repeat. Do three or four additional sets with decreased weight for each set.

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PEPTgirl · 27-Jul-05, 10:34 AM

I have a question about DOMS actually. A (very well educated and experienced) fellow trainer recently told me that DOMS is actually due to cortisone build up. Since it's catabolic, he said that DOMS is something to avoid. We were talking about the various opinions and research on DOMS, and how its cause and effect aren't exactly known and agreed upon in the medical world. I tried doing a search, but it didn't yield anything on cortisone build up. I'm not going to discredit what he said - this guy knows his stuff. Has anyone here found any credible studies on this? I'd love to get my hand on some info. I know there are people who judge a good work out on how sore they are the next day, but if it's counter-productive, then why strive for that?

Baffled! :confused: Any clarifiation/research links would be appreciated!

**threenorns** · 27-Jul-05, 10:45 AM

the cause of DoMS is known: it's the result of damaged muscle fibres. lactic acid and other waste products immobilize the fibres so they can be repaired. you don't want this, really, because those fibres will heal up stiff. so you do things like swimming or walking to keep the muscles working smoothly - same treatment as for a sprained ankle: on your feet ASAP and keep walking.

here: a study listing totally more than you ever wanted to know about DoMS

PEPTgirl · 27-Jul-05, 12:47 PM

Quote:

the cause of DoMS is known: it's the result of damaged muscle fibres. lactic acid and other waste products immobilize the fibres so they can be repaired.

Thanks 3N.

I know it's muscle fibre damage, and believe me I avoid it at all costs! But lactic acid would be removed from the muscles 3 days after the initial exercise, would it not? Muscle fatique from lactic acid during an exercise is one thing, but I'm curious about the source/science behind the pain in DOMS and what causes it - what exactly is going on in there on a microscopic level. It wouldn't be lactic acid residue. I can experience horrible lactic acid release but not experience DOMS after because of the nature of the exercise (ie: paddling sprints). I'm not sure if I'm making sense... :confused:

Even the link you provided states, "Although DOMS is experienced widely, there are still controversies regarding its origin, etiology, and treatment."

I guess, bottom line, it totally sucks.

**threenorns** · 27-Jul-05, 12:50 PM

lol - you HAVE to damage muscle fibres. microtears in the muscle indicate it's been overloaded, so the body heals the damage, then reinforces the area in case you do something stupid (like another set of deadlifts) again. it's not at all the same as a rip or a strain - that's bad s--t to be avoided at all costs.

i'm addicted to DoMS - if i don't feel it, i just feel like i've wasted a workout. it only lasts 3 days max for me except for the time i went really superheavy on squats and had trouble walking for a week. that was kinda cool.

PEPTgirl · 27-Jul-05, 12:56 PM

LOL!!!

Man, I did that once to my legs too. Honest to God, I spent over a week walking around like I had a corn cob shoved up my ass. (excuse my eloquence.

) I can't afford to experience bad DOMS, I wouldn't be able to work! Mild DOMS is one thing, incapacitating DOMS is a whole different story!

Ugh!

**threenorns** · 27-Jul-05, 12:57 PM

ah - but i'm a sucker for punishment: i live on a second-floor walk-up and five days a week, i'm out of town minding five dogs.