Weekend Q&A: Will Training Through Soreness Hinder Gains or Muscle Recovery?

Should you train through soreness or will that hinder your progress? The question we're answering is: "I’m wondering what happens if I’m still sore from a previous workout on a day I’m scheduled to train. For context – I am training 3 days a week (full body) with dumbbells at home (not ideal but making the best with what I have available to me at the moment). I’ve been training for approx. 3 months and I’m using different methods to keep progressing (increased reps/sets, tempo, shorter rest times), and I’m definitely getting stronger. Recently I got my hands on some slightly heavier dumbbells (going up from 2 x 12.5kg to 2 x 15kg). With the increase in weight I have had some muscle soreness. My question is, if I trained on Monday and I’m still experiencing some ‘soreness’ on Wednesday, do I just train anyway as per my programming, or is it best to wait another day to let my muscles recover? How important is it to consider soreness vs recovery? Will I hinder progress if I train when still sore? I’m not talking major/can’t move properly pain, but more like an “oooh yeah I feel that” kind of pain. I hope that makes sense!" Find out in today's Weekend Q&A bonus episode. --- This is a special Weekend Q&A edition of the Wits & Weights podcast, where we supercharge your Saturdays with an answer to one burning question so YOU can put it into action this weekend. These questions are taken from the weekly #AskPhilip thread in our free Wits & Weights Facebook community . If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the endless amount of information and, let’s be honest, MISinformation online and just want a straight up answer without the jargon, that’s what this free service is for. With the weekly #AskPhilip thread, you can post a specific question relevant to your unique, individual situation that week and have it answered live by me on Friday. If you’d like to experience it yourself, I invite you to use the link in the show notes to join the Wits & Weights Facebook group . It’s totally free and you’ll quickly find out what a positive and supportive community it is. Join our FREE community here to get access to the #AskPhilip thread! Support the show 📱 Get Fitness Lab - Philip’s science-based AI app for fat loss, muscle building, and strength training for people over 40. It adapts to your nutrition, recovery, and training to improve body composition without guesswork. 🎓 Try Physique University - Evidence-based nutrition coaching and strength training to help you lose fat, build muscle, and master your metabolism with support and accountability (free custom nutrition plan with code FREEPLAN ). 👥 Join our Facebook community - Free fat loss, muscle building, and body recomposition strategies for adults over 40 who want practical, science-backed fitness guidance. 👋 Ask a question or find Philip Pape on Instagram