Is it okay to lift weights if your still sore from the last workout?

Question

i know the concept of gaining muscle is you tear your previous muscle so that it grows bigger, but how do you know when its been too much? like i have 20 lb free weights that i do every other day, until i am to tired to do anymore. sometimes on the days of my workout though i am still sore from the last time i did it, is it okay to still do weights, pushups, stuff like that? or do i have to wait until they arent sore anymore to work out again?

Answer 1

You need to rest a bit more. Research has linked getting enough oxygen during sleep (no snoring) to increased bulk in muscles and less body fat. You shouldn't work out if you are painfully sore. A little sore, okay. Major soreness, no.

Answer 2

This is really subjective, it depends on your body. Something called DOMS (delayed onset muscle soreness) usually occurs between 12 and 48 hours after strenuous exercise. But you should listen to your body, if it's in pain early into your workout, stop before an injury occurs.

The stronger and fitter you get, the quicker you'll recover. Try creating a varied schedule so that there's plenty of time between working the same muscles. Also remember to cool down and stretch after each workout. That'll help your muscles recover too.