Personal Trainer's Perspective: If You're Not Sore, You Didn't Get a Good Workout

 

 

No Pain No Gain? 

We've all heard the saying "no pain, no gain", but is it true? Is soreness the only thing that equates to a good workout? The short answer is no; there are various reasons that you may not be sore from a workout, and it has to do with your training history and recovery. 

 

What Causes Soreness After a Workout?

When people think of muscle soreness, they typically associate it with lactic acid. Although this can be a factor, it is not the direct cause. The direct cause of soreness is due to micro-tears in muscle fibers. These micro-tears stem from a progressive overload of training volume. 

 

Training History, Hydration, Nutrition, and Recovery All Affect Soreness 

So, can you still get a good workout without feeling sore? Absolutely! The relation between soreness and a good workout depends on the goal of that workout and your overall goal of training. Extensive training history combined with proper hydration, nutrition, and recovery are all reasons why a training stimulus may be a great workout, but you may not feel sore. This is because you know how to properly recover, and the training stimulus is something your body has recovered from in the past.  

 

Advice for Working Out from a Personal Trainer

If you enjoy variety and want to mix it up, try a type of training, sport, or movement that you haven't done before, or include a different "tempo". Try including a three-second pause in a squat; this will function as a form of progressive overload starting from 0. Starting from 0 is important because your body isn't used to performing movements required for this new training modality. 

 

Personal Training in Nashville, TN

If you are looking to lose weight, gain muscle, improve in your sport, or just be more active, seek help from one of our personal trainers in Nashville or Franklin, TN! 

Our personal trainers take an orthopedic approach to training. We work with a range of clients including high-level profressional athletes.

All of our personal trainers come from different backgrounds, and many have specialties in certain sports or types of training. To learn more about our Nashville personal trainers, visit our team page

 

Author
Winston Gordon Personal Trainer located in Midtown, Green Hills & Franklin, TN

You Might Also Enjoy...

The Benefits of Aquatic Therapy

Aquatic therapy, often referred to as water therapy or pool therapy, offers a refreshing and effective approach to rehabilitation and fitness. By harnessing the buoyancy and resistance of water, this therapeutic technique provides a wide range of benefits

Prehabilitation: The Role of Physical Therapy Before Surgery

Undergoing surgery can be a significant life event, and preparing your body for the procedure is crucial for a smoother recovery and better outcomes. Prehabilitation, often referred to as "prehab," involves a proactive approach to physical therapy before s

Strength Training Benefits for Runners

If you're a runner, you may be focused on building endurance and increasing your speed. While these are important aspects of running, it's also important to consider the benefits of strength training. Strength training can improve your running performance

How to be More Active at a Desk Job

Many of us spend a significant portion of our day sitting at a desk in front of a computer. While this may be necessary for our job, it can be detrimental to our health. Research shows that sitting for long periods of time can lead to weight gain, heart...

What Physical Therapy Can Do for You

Physical therapy is a healthcare profession that focuses on the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of various physical conditions that affect the musculoskeletal, neurological, and cardiovascular systems. It's a non-invasive treatment option that can...