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Posted by u/proteinpancakes22··Hot Take

Is soreness really a sign of muscle growth? I've seen some new reviews on this!

TL;DR: Soreness doesn't equal muscle growth; curious for more info!

i've been lifting for 2 years and I used to think that being sore meant I was making gains! But I came across some recent reviews that say soreness doesn't actually equal muscle growth. They talk about DOMS (delayed onset muscle soreness) and how it's just a response to stress and not a direct indicator of muscle gains. Can anyone share more about this? im super curious about the science behind it!!

12 comments

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u/no_time_to_lift·

Soreness can vary from person to person, and as a busy professional, I've learned to prioritize my training and nutrition around my schedule. It's all about finding what works for you, and that might not include being sore after every workout.

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u/5k_nerd·

There's been a lot of research on this lately, and the consensus is that while soreness can indicate that you've stressed your muscles, it doesn't necessarily correlate with growth. DOMS occurs due to micro-tears in the muscle, but those tears heal and adapt over time, leading to gains. It's really about how you're training and recovering.

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u/gymratbutchill·

Honestly, I've had weeks where I barely felt sore but still hit PRs. It's more about your routine and consistency than just feeling pain. Some days, you'll feel sore, and other days, you'll feel great, but the gains can still come.

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u/mostly_lifting·

Facts. If you're getting stronger and lifting heavier, that's what matters. Soreness is just a byproduct. Remember to deload every few weeks if you're really pushing hard. Keeps the gains coming without risking injury

20
u/powerliftingpanda·

i'm new to powerlifting, but my coach emphasizes that soreness isn't everything. Focusing on your form and technique can make a bigger difference in your progress. Just be patient and enjoy the journey.

6
u/macrocounter98·

Tracking macros has helped me a lot. If you're not getting enough protein, recovery will be slower, and that might affect how sore you feel. Just keep an eye on those numbers, and you might find the soreness doesn't matter as much when you're fueling right.

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u/crossfit_momma·

I feel like DOMS is just my body's way of reminding me I'm alive, lol. But seriously, it doesn't define your gains. Just keep challenging yourself and track those lifts. It's about progress, not pain.

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u/cuttingseason_2024·

Soreness isn't a direct indicator of muscle growth, but it can be a sign that you're pushing your limits. Muscle growth is really about progressive overload and nutrition! Focus on your training volume, and make sure you're eating enough protein to support recovery and muscle synthesis. If you're sore, it might just mean your muscles are adapting to new stimuli, not that you're automatically gaining.

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u/proteinpancakes22·

This is so interesting! I used to get super excited about being sore after leg day, thinking it meant I was making gains! But now I realize it's just a response to stress. If you're consistently challenging yourself in the gym, you can make progress without the soreness. 🍽️ Here's a yummy pancake recipe to fuel those workouts: 1 cup oats, 1 banana, 1 egg. Blend and cook!

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u/spoonie_lifter·

i used to think soreness meant i was doing something right too, but after managing my chronic illness, i learned that my body responds differently. It's really important to listen to your body and focus on your overall progress instead of just chasing soreness. You can still build muscle without being sore all the time, trust me.

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u/fitnursejane·

It's interesting how our perceptions of soreness change with experience. Research suggests that the true indicators of muscle growth are proper nutrition and training intensity. If you're feeling sore, just make sure you're also recovering well to prevent overtraining

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u/depressedlifter·

Look, if soreness was the only thing that mattered, we'd all be gym beasts after a killer leg day. But honestly, it's just your muscles saying, 'What the hell?' I'd rather lift and feel fine than be sore and not able to walk.

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