Fitness Tip - D.O.M.S.

OUCH!!! - Why do our muscles get sore 1 - 2 days after a workout? It's called Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness aka: D.O.M.S.

When you are doing a weight training exercise, the eccentric phase of the exercise (the part where you are resisting gravity) creates tiny tears in the muscle and connective tissue. Don't fear as it's really a good sign when this happens. It means you are "overloading" the muscle. When you overload the muscle, it will tear, then repair itself, and get stronger.

Your body will always adapt to the workload you put on it. When it comes to getting fit, you don't want your body to adapt to the workloads, unless you just want to maintain your fitness level. In order to change your body and get stronger, your muscles require "overload" in different ways. Higher amounts of weight and new exercises will always keep your body guessing.

Try to embrace the soreness, its a good sign of progress. Don't worry, it will decrease in another day or two. In the mean time, here are some ways to help deal with it:

Ice/heat, stretching, massage, proper nutrition - remember your protein, hydration, cardio - which increases blood flow

If you are NOT sore after a workout, you may not be working at an intensity that is challenging enough or your body is used to the workout you are doing. Working with a personal trainer can help to push you to your limits which creates real results. What's the old saying: "No Pain, No Gain. It may apply here.

Remember to make YOU a priority in 2009!