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Circuit training Quote by Jeff S. Volek

“Exercising an unfit muscle causes soreness, which is followed by improved muscle function and increased resistance of that muscle to become sore. In that sense, soreness after exercise is good (as long as it lasts less than a week and doesn’t come back). Sore joints, on the other hand, are…” quote by Jeff S. Volek
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““Exercising an unfit muscle causes soreness, which is followed by improved muscle function and increased resistance of that muscle to become sore. In that sense, soreness after exercise is good (as long as it lasts less than a week and doesn’t come back). Sore joints, on the other hand, are collateral damage (see above). Most people think that if they do an intense workout (say 90 minutes of circuit training in a gym) that they should lose weight. And indeed, if you weigh before and right after such a workout, the scale goes down because of sweating and water weight loss. However, if it makes you sore for the next few days don’t be surprised to see the scale go up. That’s because muscle soreness indicates that your muscles are temporarily inflamed, and inflammation causes fluid retention and swelling in that muscle. Once again, don’t let the scale make you crazy. Once the soreness is gone, the swelling is gone, and the scale comes back down where it’s supposed to be.””

Jeff S. Volek

About This Quote

Source Book: Nutrient Timing, 2010

Exercise-induced soreness signals muscle adaptation; short‑term swelling can raise weight temporarily, but long‑term function improves.

In simple terms: Soreness shows muscles are adapting; weight may fluctuate.

Key Takeaway

Trust the process, not the scale.

Themes

fitness physiology nutrition

Mood

motivational analytical

Type

educational motivational

When to use this quote

  • post‑workout recovery
  • weight tracking
  • training program design
  • injury prevention

Key Concepts

muscle hypertrophy inflammation fluid balance

Questions to Reflect On

  • Are you interpreting soreness as progress or pain?
  • How do you differentiate healthy inflammation from injury?
A Different Perspective

Soreness can be excessive or indicate injury; not all swelling is beneficial.

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