New to the Boards: Working out Effectively?

[bm1985]

Hey everyone, thanks for taking the time to read my post. I recently started the P90X workout program (it will be 2 weeks ago Sunday), with Fridays being my "rest day." The first few days, I couldn't sneeze without some muscle feeling it. And now, I barely get that "burn" the next day. I feel like I am pushing myself properly. My work up a pretty drenching sweat, and struggle with the last two reps, enough to feel the burn and push myself. I've also upped my protein intake by quite a bit. I take 4 scoops a day of whey protein, on top of 2 Mega Men sports vitamins from GNC. So, my question is, am I not feeling it the next day because I'm working my muscles incorrectly, or does the protein and the vitamins really play that big a role in my muscle recovery?

 

[dswithers]

You are experiencing less DOMS (delayed onset muscle soreness) because you are becoming accustomed to the routine you are performing. It is difficult to generate enough intensity to keep stressing muscles enough to keep experiencing DOMS when doing the same or similar routine. NO, vitamins and protein powder almost certainly are not the reason, unless you were severely deficient in some vitamin or protein.

But. do not worry. Many would argue that DOMS is NOT necessary for maximal muscle growth, at least in the long term and may actually indicate that you are pushing beyond your ability to recover and/or causing CNS (central nervous system) fatigue which can lead to the stimulation of the hormone cortisol which signals the body to store fat.

Muscle soreness is NOT necessarily a good indicator of how well your routine will stimulate health, fitness or muscle growth.