DOMS

[CollinsMom]

I just figured out what DOMS stands for. I know, I'm a little slow...

So what is the purpose of it? And how 'delayed' are we talking? For example, I work out in the early morning, and I feel it right away (shaky arms/legs, etc.), but after my shower I feel fine (great!). But later in the day, by evening, I am feeling a nice soreness. Is this it?

 

[allwildgirl]

Yes. The nice soreness you are feeling later in the day is DOMS. The shakiness right after your workout isn't.

 

[CollinsMom]

Okay good. But what exactly is it? DOMS.....is a sign that your hard work has paid off and your muscles are building......?

 

[allwildgirl]

I got this from sportsmedicine.com

"Causes of DOMS
It is thought that delayed onset muscle soreness is the result of microscopic tearing of the muscle fibers. The amount of tearing (and soreness) depends on the activity, the intensity and the time of the activity. Any movement you aren't used to can lead to DOMS, but eccentric muscle contraction (movements that cause muscle to contract while it lengthens) seem to cause the most soreness. Examples of eccentric muscle contractions include going down stairs, running downhill, lowering weights and the downward motion of squats and push-ups. In addition to small muscle tears there can be associated swelling in a muscle which may contribute to soreness."

And yes, the tearing and repairing is what makes your muscles bigger