Training for Soreness

Triggers12 | May 19, 2010 |

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I hear a lot of people on the internet, or in the gym talk about trying to work out so they get as sore as possible. While this may seem like a great way to tell if you had a good workout, it is nothing more than your body telling you it is not used to doing what you did to it. Ever notice that if you stick to consistent routine you are sore for the first few weeks, but then it slowly fads off? This is because your body is adapting to the stress that you are putting on it. This is a good thing and is normal, but it does not mean that your workout is becoming any less effective.

Many people change their workouts frequently because they think it isn't working because they do not get sore anymore. I've heard the term "muscle confusion" thrown around and is the belief that your muscles get used to what they are doing and stop responding. Along this though process it is suggested to change the workout frequently to keep the muscle guessing. Here is the problem; muscles don't think, they do not know what you are planning on doing for your workout and they don't care.

Don't change your workout unless you are no longer making progress in whatever your goals are. If you are trying to get stronger, and you are still adding weight to the bar there is no reason to change your routine. When I follow basic full body routines, I am hardly sore but I know I am making great progress. Soreness is not a good indication of if you are making progress in the gym. The best way to know if you are making progress is to see if you are getting stronger. If you are a getting stronger, then you are doing the right thing and there is no need for change.