A big misconception surrounding training is that you need to leave the gym feeling sore or finish a run absolutely exhausted. This couldn't be further from the truth.

Of course, you have to push yourself and test your fitness periodically, but when you are training you have to leave enough room to progress and consistently make the sessions rather than leaving the gym with your muscles screaming in pain.

Losing body fat, going up in weights or reps, completing the same session with less fatigue or with less rest between sets. These are all additional ways that indicate that we've had a good session and are making good progress. If you truly want to make permanent and sustainable change and achieve the goals you've set from the start, you have to be committed to the long-term journey. The results won't happen overnight.

If you are feeling sore after the gym it is a sign that you most likely overdid it in your last session and haven't been able to recover properly. This delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) leaves your muscles in a vulnerable state. When you train too soon after or make this soreness a regular habit you increase the chance of injuring yourself and missing out on weeks of training.

To prevent this from happening it is important that you take a 'less is more' approach if you are doing your own programming or listening to your coach's advise when they are prescribing your exercises. Getting consistent sleep every night, eating plenty of whole foods and consuming lots of protein in your diet will ensure you are recovering session to session.

Get in touch with us at Inner Athlete (AUS) for further information or assistance to help you perform at your best!

Matt Hucul
Junior Strength and Conditioning Coach
Inner Athlete (AUS)