Dear Alice,
My trainer is getting annoyed because I am not experiencing soreness. I have been working out now with him and other trainers, 3 times a week, for 3 months now. Plus I do 45 minutes of cardio 4 times a week.
I think this kind of odd that he bases his progress on how sore his clients are. I was always led to believe that soreness in muscles comes from working newfound muscle groups or aggressive workouts.
During our workout I am feeling my muscles being worked and I have lost a number of inches and lbs since I have been working out.
It seems to be a large issue with some of the trainers at this gym. I am wondering why! Also he had me doing 420 lbs on my legs. I am not a body builder nor do I want to be. I started to tone up.
Advise please!
Pushed too far?
Dear Reader,
The old axiom, "no pain, no gain," is just that... old and outdated. Pain or soreness isn't a valid measure of the benefit from exercise. Muscle soreness befalls beginner exercisers embarking on a new program. It can occur with a conditioned individual who is working at a greater intensity, frequency, and/or duration than s/he is used to. It also happens to well-trained people who begin a new activity. Muscle soreness may also be a result of overuse, which may eventually lead to injury. Soreness is not an effective measure of progress.
Meeting goals in terms of developing strength or endurance needs to be the focus of any exercise program. Well-defined goals are results that you are able to attain through measurable behavior changes. Examples: I want to be able to do 10 push-ups; I want to be able to run a 10K by the end of the year, etc. Goals are specific and measurable. Soreness may be a result of training toward meeting a goal, but is not a goal in and of itself. It is a consequence of training, but not a direct reflection of accomplishment.
You write: "I think this kind of odd that he bases his progress on how sore his clients are." Who is looking for the progress here: you the client or the trainer? Your development and achievements need to be the trainer's first concern. Some trainers feel the way a client looks or how much s/he can lift is a direct reflection of his or her ability. What's recommended is working with fitness professionals who have your best interests as their primary goal!
- Alice
Related Q&As
- Is rest the best relief for muscle soreness from intensive training?
- Am I over-training?
- Weight training: Do I need to change my workout to see results?
- Muscle soreness and weightlifting
Go Ask Alice! is not an emergency or instant response service. If you are in an urgent situation, please click here to view a list of 24 hour support services and hotlines.
Is soreness a good indicator of a good workout?
