Is delayed onset muscle soreness good or bad?

Delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) is a natural response to intense or unfamiliar exercise, indicating that muscles are adapting and repairing. While it can be uncomfortable, it is generally considered a sign of progress in fitness and strength training. However, excessive soreness may hinder performance and recovery, so it’s important to balance intensity with adequate rest and recovery. Ultimately, DOMS can be a normal part of the training process but should be managed to prevent injury.