Comments on: What Causes DOMS (Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness)?

By: Sandy, RKC

Sandy, RKC — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 13:15:32 +0000

Wheeler,

Thanks for the comments.

There is still work to be done of DOMS research for sure. But there is unquestionable evidence that it is not cause by lactic acid.

I’ve never heard Pavel Tsatsouline ever claim that strength is mental. He does, however, state strongly that it is a skill that is developed. The average person is able to recruit approximately 20-30% of their muscular capacity to do work. Top powerlifters are able to recruit about 50% of their capacity. The ability to recruit is something that you get more skilled at.

If a muscle’s cross sectional size is the same in two athletes, then they should both be able to generate the same amount of work capacity and that just isn’t so.

Train Hard!

By: Wheeler

Wheeler — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 06:24:19 +0000

DOMS is still not very well researched but definitely not something absolutely needed for improving strength beyond the initial adaptation to the exercise.

I do, however, dislike it when people throw around the “Strength IS a skill” line as it means they miss the obvious that strength (ie ability to do work) in a particular “function” increases with skill, as does CNS coordination, muscle recruitment etc, but raw strength itself is NOT a skill it is a physical force and no matter how much skill you have your strength will always be limited by genetics — ie the underlying structures within you body. You will never out lift a 300lbs Olympic lift no matter how much better your technique and CNS conditioning, but you can certainly out lift someone with equal force potential with proper training and technique.

Yes I know “Master” Pavel says it’s all mental but it’s NOT there are underlying mechanisms that are not negotiable.

By: Sandy, RKC

Sandy, RKC — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 12:13:29 +0000

Jennifer,

Amazing in my opinion. I gave a talk last night to the Baltimore Ski Club and the resilience factor really was important to those in attendance.

Train Hard,

By: Jennifer

Jennifer — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 10:05:06 +0000

You know, Sandy, I have often commented that I just don’t get sore after a workout–no matter how hard I beat myself up (or how badly Mr. Whitley beats me up)–since I started working with kettlebells years ago. It’s one of the reasons I love them so!

By: Sandy, RKC

Sandy, RKC — Sun, 04 Oct 2009 21:37:56 +0000

Kris,

Thanks for your comment. MC’s article is interesting but like I said, new levels of intensity as well as new movements have allowed me to avoid any soreness for at least 12 months and I attribute that to my kettlebell training.

Train Hard,

By: Kris Wragg

Kris Wragg — Sun, 04 Oct 2009 17:50:13 +0000

MC recently wrote a couple of articles on DOMS:

http://www.begin2dig.com/2009/09/doms-part-1-what-is-delayed-onset.html

I recently thought I was suffering from DOMS but I am coming to the conclusion now that it was actually due to a viral infection that was draining most of my bodies resources and swinging KB’s around just wasn’t helping matters.

Took a few weeks off and now I’m slowly working back up to my usual pace