Q: I like to exercise and often find myself with muscles that feel like jelly after a hard workout. Am I hurting myself when I exercise to that point, or is it just part of the muscle-building process?
A: It is normal to experience some temporary soreness following a strenuous workout. Delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) is a normal inflammatory response to exercise and can be caused by microscopic tears to the muscles you’re working out. DOMS should get better with rest within a couple of days. Pain and other symptoms that last longer than that may be indicative of an injury, and you may need to visit your physician.
It’s good that you’re working out and wanting to build muscles, but remember to listen to your body and recognize when you need to take a break. Working through the pain may cause more damage and leave you sidelined. Slowly increase the intensity of your workout, and don’t be proud. Focus on your form with light weights and high reps.
– Dr. Jason Robertson, Chattanooga-Hamilton County Medical Society member