WHY SORE MUSCLES AREN’T ALWAYS INDICATIVE OF A GOOD WORKOUT

Ever found yourself so sore the day after a workout that you wince at the mere thought of stairs or sitting down on the toilet?! Many of us have experienced this and thought - yes! that must have been a great workout! It's a common belief that muscle soreness is an indicator of a productive workout, but let's explore why that might not always be the case.

Soreness isn't always a reliable indicator of progress.

Soreness is more often a result of doing something your muscles aren't accustomed to rather than a clear measure of strength gains. That's why you get super sore after starting a new training program or getting back in the gym after a vacation. Your muscles just aren't used to it!

Too much soreness can lead to injury.

Pushing your body to the point of extreme soreness too frequently can actually be counterproductive. If your body feels like crap going into every workout, the likelihood of getting hurt goes way up. Overtraining can lead to injuries and burnout, hindering your long-term fitness success. 

Recovery and consistency matter more!

Instead of focusing solely on soreness, consider your overall progress and recovery. Have you been able to increase your weights over time? Has your form improved? Are you sleeping better? Do you have more energy throughout your day? 

These are the indicators of improvement in the gym. Consistency in your workouts, proper nutrition, and sufficient rest play a more substantial role in achieving your fitness goals than how sore you get.

While that feeling of soreness can feel rewarding and even addictive at times, remember it's not all that matters.  Not even close!