Muscle soreness is one of those areas where there's a lack of full understanding. However, research does indicate that soreness is more an indication of the _type_ of work you did with the muscle -- soreness is associated more with eccentric contractions than concentric contractions -- than of the absolute effectiveness of your workout.
[your biceps are contracting concentrically when you curl a weight, and eccentrically when you lower it in a controlled fashion].
Also, there are quite a few knowledgable people who believe that persistent soreness is a sign of over-training -- you gain strength by maximizing the benefits from a combination of stress and recovery, and persistent soreness indicates that you're not allowing enough for recovery.
Many people find that an easy jog helps with overall muscle soreness (I have myself). It really is horribly cold out, though (I just got back from the barn -- 22 degrees).
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timeasmymeasure
Re: gentle reminder ;)
Date: 2008-01-21 07:18 pm (UTC)[your biceps are contracting concentrically when you curl a weight, and eccentrically when you lower it in a controlled fashion].
Also, there are quite a few knowledgable people who believe that persistent soreness is a sign of over-training -- you gain strength by maximizing the benefits from a combination of stress and recovery, and persistent soreness indicates that you're not allowing enough for recovery.
Many people find that an easy jog helps with overall muscle soreness (I have myself). It really is horribly cold out, though (I just got back from the barn -- 22 degrees).