After doing a lot of leg exercises in one workout, guys who are used to lifting feel less recovered the next day or two than after doing fewer sets.

Scientific Claim

In trained males, higher lower-body resistance training volume (21 sets) is associated with lower perceived recovery status (PRS) 24–72 hours post-exercise compared to lower volumes (7 or 14 sets), indicating that greater volume may delay subjective recovery.

Original Statement

“PRS and RPE were significantly affected by training volume (p < 0.05), particularly in the 21-SETS condition, which induced higher RPE and lower PRS than the other conditions.”

From study:Don't Sweat the Swelling: Exercise Volume's Transient Effects in Trained Males.

Evidence Quality Assessment

Claim Status

overstated

Study Design Support

Design supports claim

Appropriate Language Strength

association

Can only show association/correlation

Assessment Explanation

The word 'induced' implies causation, but the study design lacks randomization confirmation and blinding, limiting inference to association.

Evidence from Studies

Supporting (1)

Don't Sweat the Swelling: Exercise Volume's Transient Effects in Trained Males.

Cross-Sectional Study

Human

2026 Jan 21

The study found that guys who did more leg exercises (21 sets) felt more tired and less recovered for up to three days after working out than those who did fewer sets, even though their muscles didn’t stay swollen.

Contradicting (0)

No contradicting evidence found

Source Study

Don't Sweat the Swelling: Exercise Volume's Transient Effects in Trained Males.

Score: 37

DOI: 10.1055/a-2791-5145

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