I&#x27;ll add a third - hiked and rock climbed for years, always had <i>some</i> pain afterwards, even at lower body weights. Started lifting, now I hardly ever get sore after hiking and climbing, and if I do, it doesn&#x27;t last long. If it does, it&#x27;s a sign I&#x27;m probably coming down with something. Which also happens much less often since I started lifting.<p>BTW, started lifting based on a book suggested on an HN thread years ago: &quot;Starting Strength: Basic Barbell Training&quot; by Mark Rippetoe.