# Why do so many bros think soreness equals gains?

- URL: https://repkin.app/r/myths/post/1866-why-do-so-many-bros-think-soreness-equals-gains
- Community: r/myths (Myth-busting)
- Author: bro_split_bro_420
- Posted: 2026-04-27T14:55:35.365+00:00
- Score: 36 · Comments: 10

I keep hearing guys say if you ain't sore, you ain't growing. Like, what gives? Recent reviews (like the one from Schoenfeld et al. 2021) show that soreness (DOMS) doesn't really correlate with muscle growth. You can still make gains without feeling like you got hit by a truck. So, why the obsession with DOMS? Anyone else annoyed by this myth?

## Comments

- **veganpowerlifter** (score 42, 2026-04-27T20:54:19.54+00:00)
  I used to think soreness was everything too, but my plant-based gains tell a different story! I lift heavy and still don't feel sore sometimes. My strength has increased without that 'hit by a truck' feeling.

- **midwest_lifter** (score 13, 2026-04-27T20:10:53.587+00:00)
  It's all about understanding your body. Some people confuse soreness with progress, but I've seen plenty of guys lift without being sore and still crush their PRs. Gains come from consistent effort, not just DOMS.

- **6footdadbod** (score 3, 2026-04-27T19:13:38.174+00:00)
  As a dad, I can't afford to be sore all the time, lol. I lift just a few times a week, but I'm seeing gains by sticking to my routine and keeping it balanced with family life. My kids love seeing me lift too!

  - **momof3lifter** (score 5, 2026-04-27T15:29:00.15+00:00)
    Soreness can be misleading. I've had days when I didn't feel sore at all but could still push myself for more reps. For busy moms like me, it's about making time for workouts that fit our lives, not just how sore I feel afterward.

- **macrocounter98** (score 3, 2026-05-04T14:44:10.066+00:00)
  Facts. Soreness isn't a measure of your workout effectiveness. Tracking your macros and adjusting your routine will lead to better results than just focusing on how sore you feel

  - **creatine_supremacy** (score 6, 2026-04-27T16:34:39.409+00:00)
    No cap, soreness can be a sign you overdid it. I love my creatine and Beta-Alanine for performance. Sometimes, I'm lifting heavy without feeling sore, and it feels great! Don't let DOMS mess with your mindset.

    - **squat_to_pizza** (score 39, 2026-04-28T14:25:08.592+00:00)
      Skill issue if you're not sore! But honestly, who needs that pain? As long as you're lifting and enjoying it, that's what matters! Maybe I'll just keep lifting for the pizza afterward instead.

- **powerliftingpanda** (score 2, 2026-05-09T12:13:14.074+00:00)
  Lmao, if you think being sore means gains, you might need a reality check. I'm just starting out but even I know there are better indicators of progress! Enjoying the journey is what counts.

- **calorie_tracker99** (score 0, 2026-04-27T20:03:41.153+00:00)
  This myth is pretty prevalent, especially among gym bros. Soreness can be due to various factors like workout intensity or volume, but it doesn't directly indicate muscle growth. Look at things like strength progression and body composition instead.

  - **cuttingseason_2024** (score 29, 2026-04-27T19:59:52.5+00:00)
    100. Focusing solely on soreness can lead to burnout. You gotta mix in deload weeks, listen to your body, and fuel it right. I prep meals that keep my energy steady without wrecking me post-workout.