Yesterday I did the chest-shoulder-tricep premix from 4 Day Split. I felt like I was working really hard, although the order of the exercises had me stumbling around and pausing here and there to get my equipment set up. Today I have no DOMS - it feels like I didn't do anything yesterday! I always have DOMS the day after weights. Does this mean I didn't work hard enough? Or is it not necessary to feel DOMS for muscle tear-and-repair to have happened? Thanks!
No DOMS - does this mean I didn't work hard enough?
- Thread starter martwad
- Start date
kathryn
Cathlete
DOMS is not necessary. There can be many factors that determine whether or not you will get it: new routines or lifting heavier/more than usual can often bring it on. Some people recover faster for whatever reason (diet, heredity, etc.) and won't have much DOMS. I've also found that some workouts with longer rest periods, no matter how tough, don't give me DOMS (like S&H most of the time).
What's important is that you felt you worked hard during the workout itself. Was the last rep on each set the last one (or almost the last one) you could do with good form? Then you're doing just what you should be doing.
IMO, the ideal is to work hard, and NOT get DOMS (or not much), which would suggest that your body is recovering quickly (so you can hit the weights hard again sooner). At least that's my theory!
What's important is that you felt you worked hard during the workout itself. Was the last rep on each set the last one (or almost the last one) you could do with good form? Then you're doing just what you should be doing.
IMO, the ideal is to work hard, and NOT get DOMS (or not much), which would suggest that your body is recovering quickly (so you can hit the weights hard again sooner). At least that's my theory!
DOMS are absolutely not necessary. Some people are more prone to them than others. I'm doing P90X right now and have not had DOMS at all (until a little bit today after starting the second month and doing the new biceps work with heavier weights). I know I'm getting stronger because for the first time in my life, I'm doing straight-legged push-ups (I did two sets of 8 the other night!). I am increasing my strenght and no DOMS.
Once your muscles get used to certain movements you get DOMS less.