If my muscles stop aching, does that mean I'm not building m

SaqibH91

I tend to do at least 5+ exercises for each body part that I work. I've recently noticed that my recovery rate has increased, but for some workouts, such as my bicep workout, I barely feel any pain the next day. I'd suspect that my body may have adapted to a consistent workout routine but I mix it up as much as I can! I was just wondering whether this would imply that my workouts are not effective as they are when you feel the pain the next day?

meerkat70

No your muscles will accustom, and you will ache less. It's a sign you're getting fitter and better adapted to the activity.

Marquettedominos

No you are still building. I would just make sure you do a good warm up. Maybe a bit of cardio before your workout, And strech properly. You may eventually get to where you no longer hurt at all for some of the time.

koosdel

Yes.

trelm249

You will recover faster after you have been lifting for several weeks. That being said, Koosdel is right.

If you are not sore, you aren't going heavy/intense enough. It isn't a volume thing either, meaning "hmmm.. three sets at this weight is no longer challenging so I will do five."

The appropriate response is go heavier. If you can't do as many reps with the new weight, AWESOME! That means you have a goal and something to work with.

Kick the weight up on the compound lifts first. For instance, since you mentioned biceps, kick up the weight on your barbell rows/lat pulldowns and cable rows. Same thing with Triceps, increase the weight on the flat bench dumbbell presses and bench presses.

If you are only using machines, then move to free weights. You will feel a difference as the auxiliary muscle groups are now responsible for balancing the weight.

By the way, this is how you grow strength that you can use.