Lifters: working out with muscle soreness?

I’m wondering whether it’s advisable to complete a lifting workout when you’re still experiencing muscle soreness. I sometimes find that one day of rest doesn’t give my body enough time to recover, and I suspect it’s best to wait it out, but I hate missing workouts (because I love lifting).

What do you guys do? Thoughts?

Extra info: I follow Starting Strength and I’m in a caloric deficit at the moment.

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Replies

unknown

Depends on how sore you are. I'd still do it. I find that the soreness goes away once I start.

unknown

It is perfectly fine to lift while sore. It will actually make you feel better after you get a few sets in. The only time to not workout when sore is when the cause is an injury.

unknown

I think it depends on how sore you are. If I'm just a little stiff or sore, then I will do my normal workout (may have to lower some weights a bit though). If I'm so sore I can barely move parts of my body, I may take a rest day, or do cardio. Cardio can do wonders for loosening up sore, tight muscles. Even an easy walk can help.

unknown

I'm pretty much always a little sore...warm up properly and you'll be fine.

unknown

Beast_mode, a few sets is all I do

(3, to be precise). The specific concern is the bench press, as my arms are still very sore. I’m just not sure how well I’ll be able to perform.

Thanks for the input, everyone. I’m still torn between pushing through and doing some cardio… I confess I am leaning towards cardio because it’s a beautiful day out!

unknown

i do it but i don't work the same muscle. when you warm up/your muscles are warm, you won't feel the soreness anymore.

unknown

cwolfman13 wrote: »

I'm pretty much always a little sore...warm up properly and you'll be fine.

This ^^^ I don't know what it's like to not work out without a little soreness. But being outside beats being indoors!

unknown

cwolfman13 wrote: »

I'm pretty much always a little sore...warm up properly and you'll be fine.

This.

I also make sure to stretch on my rest days, which helps with my soreness.

unknown

Yeah… I really need to stretch better. I always get lax with it. Note to self - get it done. Thanks, all!

unknown

i always have two to three days rest, and i do active recovery on those two days, mobility and stretching. But i beat myself up pretty good on lifting days, i need that much rest. if i'm still sore on a lifting day, i take it easy.