AFAA Personal Trainer Certification Practice Exam

Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS) is a common condition that occurs following unaccustomed or intense exercise, particularly when the exercise involves eccentric muscle contractions. It typically manifests as stiffness, tautness, and discomfort in the muscles, which can significantly affect mobility and performance.

The correct timeframe for when individuals usually begin to experience DOMS is 24 to 48 hours after the activity. This is due to muscle damage and inflammation that occur as a result of the new or intense physical activity. The body takes time to respond to this damage, which is reflected in the delayed onset of symptoms. Initially, the soreness can often be mistaken for immediate fatigue during a workout, but the true sensation of DOMS arises as part of the body's healing and adaptation processes.

Understanding this timing is crucial for personal trainers to help clients appropriately manage their recovery, set training schedules, and encourage gradual progression in exercise intensity to reduce the risk of injury while improving overall fitness.