Exercise-induced muscle damage (EIMD) decreases the functional capacity of untrained individuals, following strenuous physical activity.

Performing pre-conditioning activities several days to weeks prior to strenuous physical activity reduces the severity of EIMD and decreases recovery time.

Pre-conditioning activities appear to be most effective if performed 2–4 days prior to muscle-damaging exercises, and with greater volume and intensity.

Although greater volume and intensity of pre-conditioning activities may cause EIMD, the level of EIMD is notably lower than the initial exposure to EIMD exercises, indicating that pre-conditioning activities may be effective in reducing the level of EIMD following initial exposure to unfamiliar strenuous exercises.