Is DOMS necessary to get good results?

[GreenEyedLefty]

Yesterday was my first foray into Cathe's "weight only" workouts. I did Power Hour - well, as much as I could complete. I worked to virtual failure/poor form (stopping at that point, of course) on all the exercises and thought for sure I would feel very sore today. I am sore, but not in the expected areas - only in my triceps, my mid-back (between the shoulder blades) and just a little in my shoulders. Everything else feels great, even (to my surprise, because they were fried yesterday) my biceps.

My question: Does the absence of DOMS mean I didn't work hard enough? Sorry if this question seems silly, I'm still fairly new to Cathe's weight workouts.

Any input is appreciated. Thanks!

 

[Sekcy_Gymnast]

Not necessarily. Just because you don't have DOMS somewhere doesn't mean they didn't get strong. Your biceps have probally gotton stronger after your fried them PH. IMO when you get DOMS is because either you worked your muscles till complete failure, you did an exercise wrong, you injured a muscle, you haven't worked that muscle for a long time, or you worked a muscle greatly that is sore today. I know thats a lot, but just to give you some ideas;-)

HTH!


Laugh and the world laughs with you. Cry and you cry with your girlfriends.
-Laurie Kuslansky-

~Adri~
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[teddy16410]

Sometimes I get DOMS & sometimes not- I go by my definition/strength.... Also you did your workout yesterday.... My DOMS never hit until the 36 hour mark.... makes for something truely yummy to look forward to days after I forgot about the workout}(

 

[step_a_holic]

Your diet has alot to do with it too. If you are supplying your body with the right nutrients, your muscles will repair themselves more efficiently and you may not experience DOMS.

Just my .02! ;-)

Melissa

 

[alsrnbsn]

No, DOMs are not necessary to indicate a "good" workout. DOMS are actually caused by your body trying to repair microscopic muscle tears that are caused during the workout.
When I do PLB (pyramid Lower body) or lower body of Muscle Max, I always work until muscle fatigue/failure, but often don't get DOMS in my quads and calves. I almost always get them in my hamstrings, though.

Again, your diet also has a lot to do with your body's recovering as well.

 

[kathryn]

If you do a search for DOMS in the "advanced search"(search this forum, and the title of the thread), there's at least one fairly recent thread about this.

Bottom line, as others have said, DOMS isn't necessary as a sign of a 'good' workout. In fact, my goal is to find the right combination of nutrition to virtually eliminate DOMS, while still working out hard (as that would mean my body is repairing quickly).

Refueling right after a workout with a 4-to-1 carbs-to-protein snack helps your body get into repair mode faster and may help reduce or eliminate DOMS.

However, when you change up your routine, workout in a way you haven't before (or haven't for a long time), or increase weights, DOMS is more likely.

 

[GreenEyedLefty]

Thanks everyone! I'll look around for other threads, too.

 

[shelia]

Agree with Kathryn.I do not want doms and very rarely get them just when I switch up exercise's or what-not.I always consume protein with milk after my workout I do believe that helps alot.And really you know whether you had a good workout doms or not.
I have also read that consuming a shake pre workout(with water) is also good I may try that.