DOMS - how long to wait?

[workingToBeFit]

I have a question about DOMS and how long you should wait to do a workout with the same muscles after a weight workout that causes soreness. For example, let's say that someone does pyramid upper body and gets quite sore. I have read that you should wait 48 hours to workout the same muscles again - does that guideline change if you find you are still really sore 48 hours later? Would you suggest going ahead and working those muscles again, or waiting longer? I.e. should you wait until the soreness goes away, or workout again even if there is still soreness? I want to maximize my effectiveness - I don't want to slow things down - but I want to do what would be best for muscle strength gains.

~ Ann ~
Aim for nothing, and you'll hit it every time!

 

[gettingfitmom]

Personally, I would wait 48 hrs. and if I was still sore, I would work that muscle group, but not so intense (i.e. do Push/Pull, Supersets. ect. where it works the muscle group but doesn't isolate it) The first cathe tape I did I couldn't sit without soreness for a few days, after the 3rd day, it did get better. Good Luck

 

[Jazcam]

What I do when I have DOMS after two day, is stretch. Either use stretch max or yoga. This tends to help alot, then by the next day I can workout that body part. I hope this helps.

 

[sittinduck]

I have researched this question myself via the internet...and I found that many sites tell you to wait until the soreness is gone...The muscles have torn and need to repair before another dose of tearing is applied. So, with that in mind I wait til I feel no pain anymore personally. I found this at web md and a womens bodybuilding site...hope it helps...duck

 

[workingToBeFit]

Thank you, everyone who answered! All the answers were really helpful. It makes sense to stretch and wait until the soreness is gone - or at least mostly gone - I am happy this morning, nothing is sore so I am up for anything today in my workout!

~ Ann ~
Aim for nothing, and you'll hit it every time!