Hi,

I was just wondering if anyone can tell me if working out with weights two days in a row is bad. I usually work full body every other day, but if I needed to, could I work my full body two days in a row or am I better off skipping the workout all together. I would rather work out two days in a row than skip a workout but if it is harmful I will avoid that.

Thanks

Loola, it's not a good idea to work sore muscles - you negate the good you're doing by tearing them down if you work them when they are in a state of repair.

Often, if you're an experienced lifter, you won't feel that 'soreness' after every workout - it's not an indication, however, that you haven't cause micro tears in your muscles. Also, I have found that lifting while LC I tend to feel sore less often - perceived DOMS can be a function of muscle glycogen levels, which are naturally low when you LC.

Are you lifting to failure? If so I'd caution lifting the same muscles two days in a row.

Nat

Hi Natrushka,

Thanks for the advice. To answer your question, yes, I guess I am lifting to failure, but right now the weights I am using are not very heavy, I am starting off quite light. This is why I thought perhaps it may be okay to lift two days in a row. I was just hoping that I could avoid having to miss a workout. I guess it's a better idea to skip the workout than lift two days in a row.

Thanks again for the advice

Loola

Loola, are you seeing progress lifting light weights? The reason I ask is that it generally takes a weight heavy enough to cause your muscle to micro-tear before you notice changes. Many reps at a light weight isn't going to give you the same results as moderate reps, or few reps with a heavier weight. The type of 'fatigue' or 'failure' you'll reach will also be different. The former (light weights, many reps) will cause a build up of lactic acid in your tissue, which is not the same as reaching 'positive failure' (the inability to lift a weight with proper form). It's always good to mix things up - heavier weights, fewer reps, lighter weights, moderate reps, etc.

Check out the stickies on "Advice for the beginner getting started" and "The best weight lifting exercises" for more information on this.

If you'd like to continue doing full body workouts, why not increase the weight slighly and slowly, decrease the reps and take that day off in between. Or, split the workouts into different muscle groups and focus more on each.

Cheers,
Nat