Your nutrition can also play a role. Hydration is important to help the body clear waste product that is thought to be responsible for DOMS from the muscles, and eating enough to support the body to rebuild can also impact how well you recover.

“Think about your total energy available. Your body is like a battery, and if you’re using 60% of your energy to exercise and repair from exercise, you have less battery for your immune system and other normal functions,” says Dr Christopher.

Your age might impact your adaptation too. “You may have heard your parents say they are doing the same exercise as when they were young but it’s less effective now. The older you are, generally the less responsive you’ll be.”

But really, the body is pretty amazing at adapting to what we ask of it. “We never give out bodies enough credit for how well it adapts,” says Dr Christopher. As long as you’re recovering well, keep going. Your body will get there sooner than you think.

How long does it take to adapt to exercise and feel less sore?