AFAA Personal Trainer Certification 2026 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS) is a common experience for individuals after engaging in unfamiliar or intense physical activity, particularly resistance training or exercise that involves eccentric movements. The onset of DOMS typically occurs within 12 to 24 hours following the exercise, with peak soreness usually reached around 48 hours post-exercise.

The duration of DOMS can vary among individuals and the specific circumstances of the workout, but it generally lasts around 3 to 4 days. During this time, the body undergoes a recovery process, including muscle repair and the adaptation to the stress imposed by the workout. This timeframe allows the body to recover adequately before returning to similar types of physical activity.

While DOMS can persist for longer in some cases, the 3 to 4 days range represents the most common duration for most individuals experiencing this phenomenon. Understanding this timeframe is essential for personal trainers to help clients set realistic expectations for their recovery and to adjust their training programs accordingly.