How much soreness is normal after a workout?
Emily Sparks
Published Jan 13, 2026
“My rule is that working out with a little bit of stiffness or soreness is okay. If it's a 1, 2 or 3 out of 10, that's okay. If it's getting above that, or the pain is getting worse during activity, or if you're limping or changing your gait, back off the intensity of the workout.”
How sore is normal after a workout?
Muscle soreness is a side effect of the stress put on muscles when you exercise. It is commonly called Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness, or DOMS, and it is completely normal. DOMS usually begins within 6-8 hours after a new activity or a change in activity, and can last up to 24-48 hours after the exercise.
Is it OK to exercise with sore muscles?
Exercising When Your Body Is Sore
If you continue your usual exercise regimen even when you're sore, you're not giving your muscles enough time to heal. In fact, pushing yourself during a bout of soreness can eventually lead to an overuse injury. Overall, you're at risk of causing harm to your body by not resting.
Can you be too sore after a workout?
But if you're feeling soreness that begins 12 to 24 hours after a workout, you're likely experiencing Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS), which can last anywhere from 1-3 days. DOMS typically occurs when you try a new exercise style or if you don't properly rest between sessions.
How much soreness is normal?
Short-term muscle soreness is a healthy and expected result of exercise. Normal muscle soreness and fatigue peak between 24 and 72 hours after a muscle-stressing activity. It should go away on its own after a few days. The amount of soreness you have will depends on the time and intensity of your exercise.
39 related questions foundHow much soreness is too much?
“My rule is that working out with a little bit of stiffness or soreness is okay. If it's a 1, 2 or 3 out of 10, that's okay. If it's getting above that, or the pain is getting worse during activity, or if you're limping or changing your gait, back off the intensity of the workout.”
Why am I still sore 3 days after working out?
Muscle soreness resulting from a workout is known as delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS). Typically DOMs takes 24 – 48 hours to develop and peaks between 24 – 72 hours post exercise. Any significant muscle soreness lasting longer than 5 days could be a sign of significant muscle damage beyond what is beneficial.
Can you train legs if they are still sore?
You can work out if you're sore. Don't exercise the same muscle groups that are hurting. Do legs one day and exercise your upper body the next. By doing so, you'll still be able to get exercise and allow your lower body to recover and rebuild.
Why do my muscles get sore 2 days after workout?
Delayed-onset muscle soreness is caused by microscopic muscle damage. It's perfectly normal—and most common after taking time off or trying something new. Extreme muscle pain could be a sign of a dangerous condition.
How long does DOMS usually last?
The NHS suggests that DOMS will typically last between 3 and 5 days, yet you're likely to feel your muscles loosen up after the first couple of days.
Is it OK to skip workout for 2 days?
Skipping your workout becomes a problem when you skip for more than two days in a row, say experts. It's incredibly easy for one missed workout to turn into two, three and more. It's okay to miss one or two workouts but the key is never to skip more than two days in a row.
Is working out everyday OK?
A weekly day of rest is often advised when structuring a workout program, but sometimes you may feel the desire to work out every day. As long as you're not pushing yourself too hard or getting obsessive about it, working out every day is fine.
Should I workout if I'm still a little sore?
If you are noticeably sore: Either take a rest day, take a walk, or try a light cardio workout and stretching. Again, a dynamic warm-up and stretching can help bring healing blood to the muscles. After you have warmed up, if you still feel too sore for your workout, take a rest day or keep your exercise light.
Do sore muscles make you weigh more?
This causes small micro tears, also known as micro trauma, and some inflammation. Those two conditions in your muscle fibers are the reason you may gain some weight. Your body responds to the micro tears and inflammation in two ways that cause temporary water weight gain. The first is a healing response.
Do DOMS go away as you exercise?
As your muscles heal, they'll get bigger and stronger, paving the way to the next level of fitness. The DOMS usually kicks in 12 to 24 hours after a tough workout and peaks between 24 to 72 hours. The soreness will go away in a few days. In the meantime, these tricks may help ease the pain.
What is Dom after exercise?
Delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS) is muscle pain that begins after you've worked out. It normally starts a day or two after a workout. You won't feel DOMS during a workout. Pain felt during or immediately after a workout is a different kind of muscle soreness.
When is DOMS peak?
DOMS occurs as a consequence of unfamiliar strenuous physical activity, especially during the first few days or weeks of performance. Typically, symptoms of lumbar DOMS include a mild increase in pain and stiffness, which peaks at approximately 24 to 72 hours after initial exercise sessions and rapidly attenuates.
Should I squat if my legs are sore?
No real treatment for muscle soreness
The only thing that really helps with muscle soreness is to get in shape and exercise regularly, the researchers say. “If you only do squats once a week, you will most likely be sore afterwards. If you train twice a week, you'll feel better.
What are the 5 biggest workout mistakes?
These are the 5 biggest workout mistakes to avoid
- Mistake 1: Overly repetitive routines.
- Mistake 2: Failing to perfect your form.
- Mistake 3: Warming up the wrong way.
- Mistake 4: Going all-out all the time.
- Mistake 5: Failing to rest and recover.
Should a beginner workout everyday?
How much should a beginner workout? As a beginner, you only want to begin working out 1-3 days a week. It is important to provide a chance for your body to adapt and adjust to the new routine. Focus on full-body strength training that starts slow and ramps up over time.
How long does it take to see results from working out 5 days a week?
You're putting your whole heart and soul into the fitness regimen, going to the gym five days each week. You should be able to notice visible changes after about two weeks of training 5 days a week.
Will rest days make you fat?
This minimal amount of excess weight can make you feel heavier, and your muscles may not respond as well as they normally do because they've had an extra day off, but weight gain in the form of excess fat is still unlikely.
How do I know if I should take a rest day?
8 Signs You Need A Rest Day
- Your resting heartrate is elevated. ...
- You feel tired. ...
- You're moody. ...
- You feel sick. ...
- You're always sore. ...
- You've had a few bad workouts in a row. ...
- Notice you're not getting any stronger. ...
- You feel that you need a rest day.
Is 3 rest days a week too much?
But if you're doing moderate or vigorous aerobic activity, rest days are essential. It's recommended to take a rest day every three to five days. If you do vigorous cardio, you'll want to take more frequent rest days. You can also have an active rest day by doing a light workout, like gentle stretching.
Is it OK to run with DOMS?
As long as the pain you're feeling is DOMS and not something more serious, such as a muscle tear or sprain, then you should be good to keep exercising.