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Thread: how hard should you workout?

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    Default how hard should you workout?

    I do weights 3 days a week (chest/shoulders/back;legs;biceps/triceps). My question is this: How much should I be hurting the day after my workout? Is pain a quantifiable way of knowing that I'm "working" my muscles? If I don't feel much the next day, should I work out harder? Some days my workouts are a breeze, and others I struggle through them. I just want to make sure that I'm giving it my all, but I hate going to work when I'm in pain from my workouts! Thanks.

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    Default Re: how hard should you workout?

    I always thought that being sore was a sign that you worked your muscles to failure - which is a good thing.

    But I dont know? Sometimes I am NOT sore, but I know I worked out good. ?

    Sorry I cant help ya

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    Default Re: how hard should you workout?

    Being sore the next day is NOT a good thing.

    If you never lifted weights, then suddenly started, yes, you will be sore.

    But if you lift regularly, soreness should not happen. That is a sign you pushed yourself too far, and didn't stretch properly. When you lift weights properly, and enough to challenge yourself, it creates tears in the muscles, and takes time to recover. When it does recover, the muscle is stronger than it was previously. This is why you need time off from weights. If you're sore and lift weights anyway, you're not allowing time for recovery, and are simply retearing the muscles even more, preventing progress.

    You can lift effectively and to your maximum potential without soreness; when your body is used to weights, it won't be sore anymore. If you're just starting, you do need to start slowly, both to get maximum results, and to keep from harming yourself. Give your body at least 2 days between sessions. As you progress, you can do weights every other day.

    Some sources:

    http://exercise.about.com/od/exercis...gthmyths_4.htm

    http://diet.ivillage.com/workouts/ww...,,q41n,00.html

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    Default Re: how hard should you workout?

    That's the thing. I didn't JUST start working out with weights, and my routine has changed only slightly since the beginning of the year. I'll probably just get another trainer so I KNOW I'm working at the correct intensity.

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    Default Re: how hard should you workout?

    Quote Originally Posted by kandie_kitten View Post
    Being sore the next day is NOT a good thing.

    If you never lifted weights, then suddenly started, yes, you will be sore.

    But if you lift regularly, soreness should not happen. That is a sign you pushed yourself too far, and didn't stretch properly. When you lift weights properly, and enough to challenge yourself, it creates tears in the muscles, and takes time to recover. When it does recover, the muscle is stronger than it was previously. This is why you need time off from weights. If you're sore and lift weights anyway, you're not allowing time for recovery, and are simply retearing the muscles even more, preventing progress.

    You can lift effectively and to your maximum potential without soreness; when your body is used to weights, it won't be sore anymore. If you're just starting, you do need to start slowly, both to get maximum results, and to keep from harming yourself. Give your body at least 2 days between sessions. As you progress, you can do weights every other day.

    Some sources:

    http://exercise.about.com/od/exercis...gthmyths_4.htm

    http://diet.ivillage.com/workouts/ww...,,q41n,00.html

    Interesting. I always though being sore was good. Atleast it feels good. lol

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    Default Re: how hard should you workout?

    Veronica...then you are simply lifting too heavy weights for your size. Drop it back a few pounds, and you'll get results without excess soreness.

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    Default Re: how hard should you workout?

    Thanks for your advice. I'm just trying to make my arms bigger to counteract my giant hips!!! I'll go lighter.

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    Default Re: how hard should you workout?

    If you are lifting to tone and define muscle, the weight shouldn't be too heavy. If, for some reason, you are trying to bulk up, I could see lifting heavy enough weights to induce muscle failure. And that would cause soreness. And if you are new to working out that could also cause soreness.

    I used to work out 3-4 times a week and rarely felt sore. I'd feel something in my muscles, but it wasn't soreness like you get when you haven't done it and then go whole hog.

    I really need to get back to the gym. I've been using dancing as an excuse and that's not good. Luckily, it seems I look the same even if I don't go to the gym. But I know I'm not getting cardio like I should.
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