Results - do I need to feel sore?

[Bluebell66]

I've recently joined a gym, am doing cardio and weights. Sometimes I feel sore and stiff afterwards, sometimes I don't.

Do I need to feel sore in order to be doing any good? I'm worried if I'm not sore afterwards, I haven't done enough and won't be making any difference.

TIA

I don't think you necessarily need to feel sore - I know I'm getting stronger as I can use heavier weights, or more reps, and dont always hurt afterwards.

Having said that, I was in last night, and am stiff as a board today

Thank you Tommorrow. I agree 100%, I'm definitely getting stronger but my main reasons for going are to build muscle and tone up, so hopefully it will pay off eventually.

My theory for the days when i do feel stiff and sore (although it's probably completely wrong!!) is that it's days when I've exercised a muscle group in a different way from normal (which yesterday was) - using a different piece of equipment, or quite often using a machine instead of free weights.