I knew that being out of shape would pose a serious challenge for working out in the gym. The one thing that I really hate is the muscle pain after a rigorous workout. I did some research and apparently the pain that you feel is called “Delayed onset muscle soreness” or DOMS.
Here’s the complete definition from Wikipedia:
Delayed onset muscle soreness
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Jump to: navigation, searchDelayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS), also sometimes called muscle fever, is the pain or discomfort often felt 24 to 72 hours after exercising and subsides generally within 2 to 3 days. It is commonly thought to be caused by increased lactate concentrations; however, high lactate concentrations from exercise typically subside in the body within an hour, so it can not explain pain experienced days after exercise.[1]
Although the precise cause is still unknown, the type of muscle contraction seems to be a key factor in the development of DOMS. A theory recently developed states that DOMS is caused by the breakdown of muscular fibres. This is particularly apparent in Strength/Resistance programs. The breakdown occurs due to stress, and allows the muscles to grow stronger and larger, as shown through hypertrophy. Exercises that involve many eccentric contractions, such as downhill running, will result in the most severe DOMS. This has been shown to be the result of more muscle cell damage than is seen with typical concentric contractions, in which a muscle successfully shortens during contraction against a load.[2]
Some research claims that DOMS is not caused by the pain from damaged muscle cells, but from the reinforcement process.[3] The muscle responds to training by reinforcing itself up to and above its previous strength by increasing the size of muscle fibers (muscle hypertrophy). This reinforcement process causes the cells to swell in their compartment and put pressure on nerves and arteries, producing pain.
[edit] Training with DOMS
DOMS typically causes stiffness, swelling, strength loss, and pain.[4][5] Continued exertion of sore muscles can cause further swelling and pain, and lengthen the period of muscular soreness. There is some scientific evidence that further training—a so-called second bout—has no negative effect on the reinforcement process.[6] Training in a state of constant soreness would be uncomfortable, although one may be able to adapt to it. The relationship between muscular soreness, the rest required, and hypertrophy is a contentious topic in bodybuilding. Claims that perpetual muscular soreness assures muscle growth are opposed by reports of stagnation through overtraining.
Stretching before and after exercise has been suggested as a way of reducing DOMS, as have warming up before exercise, cooling down afterwards, and gently warming the area.[7] However, there is also evidence that the effect of stretching on muscle soreness is negligible.[8] Overstretching itself can cause DOMS.[9] Some recommend contrast showers as a treatment, alternating between cold and hot water; as it may increase circulation.[10]
I have a bad case of DOMS (lol) right now because I decided to go to the gym again last night and did the exact same routine from the previous day (rowing, ab crunches, etc.). I had a lot more fun though since Mich and my office mate Dodge went with me to workout. Much more fun with people 
By the way, slight improvement! Didn’t have stomach cramps anymore with the dreaded Ab Cruncher Machine. Hahaha xD
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Tags: Delay onset muscle soreness, DOMS
how often do you go to the gym?
Hi mykel! 4-5 times a week.
woahhhhhh.. thats too much for me. i have to study, i have to sleep early, wake up early. any tips then?
how bout ur food intake? what did u do about it.
For food? I just count calories and make sure I have a healthy diet. I make it a point never to go above 1600 calories/day. I stopped drinking anything with caffeine (including sodas, ice tea, and coffee). I also stopped eating white rice and bread, switched to brown rice and wheat bread. Complete change of lifestyle bro!