I finally corrected my squats so that I am only using my legs. it hurts (soreness) like a bitch. I did 3x10 with just the bar, so 45 lbs. Yes, I know, its pathetic, but it makes any sense. I'm assuming I used my back for it all these years (and that''s probably why I had a near-serious lower back problem a few years ago.) Since that injury I haven't squated or done much legwork. I heard that leg muscles develop quickly, so I'm not so much worried about that. How long should muscle soreness last and how can I decrease that?

I'd say a couple days is average, maybe three if it's a big muscle and after a particularly rough workout. Some people say legs can take up to 5, but I've never experienced it.

Warming up well, cooling down, proper stretching and icing after are all ways to reduce DOMS. Personally, I love 'em.

mine used 2 hurt badly when i started back in feb... i remember my first time i was going all the way down with my bottom nearly touching the floor and it took me 7days to recover..

Now unfortunatelly they dont hurt much the following day...

Give it a week or two, just think if it hurts right means its working...


Edit: and dont worry about how much weight you lift, i started at 44Lbs too and now i do 264Lbs 6x8 and my legs are fine.. they just get stronger and stronger everyworkout, its amazing how the body works..

I find that each muscle varies. When I do legs, I hurt for days after. Walking stairs, putting on pants...

Most other parts feel sore, but never like my legs.

Like Hockey4, I kind of like it, but I look silly trying to go up and down the stairs.

I worked my legs on sunday. It's now tuesday and they are still barely sore.

for me, usually my legs will be fine after a day or two, but if i go more than 10 -12 days between working them out, i will get brutal amounts of soreness the next few days again.

I'm starting to work my legs out twice a week now, and it works better for soreness actually, i have less soreness as a result.