Recovery time between workouts?

justkeepswimming26

I have lost 15lb so far through dieting alone and I have decided to start going to the gym. I was planning on going every other day, I do a light cardio warm up and I mostly use resistance machines and some free weights, about a 45 minute session. I went two days ago and worked my arms/shoulders/chest but I also decided to do some squats as part of my work out, only 3 x 10 but legs are still really sore. Today was supposed to be a leg day but should I be doing that if my legs are still aching? If not what would you recommend?

Thanks

999tigger

Theres a cliche but its very true in that you need to listen to your body. Theres no point in training if it will set you back. Take another rest day and see if it feels better, it just sounds like DOMs but you need to be sure its not an injury. Reassess it tomorrow. If you need to exercise then do soemthing which uses different muscles or alter your intensity.

oh_happy_day

If you're a beginner to working out maybe take it easier - light cardio will help with your DOMs. Go for a light jog or a spin on the bikes. The soreness does reduce over time, as does your ability to work through it. I exercise 6 days a week, I'm sore all the time but it's my normal and I alter my workouts if required. I find the soreness quite satisfying! I do remember when I first started though and felt like I'd been hit by a truck.

justkeepswimming26

Thanks for the advice! I think I will go for a light jog tonight and save my leg day for tomorrow/Saturday when they are less sore!

thereshegoesagain

What's DOM?
Damn Overused Muscles perhaps?

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Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness. DOMS.

If you're new to lifting, you want to ease yourself into it the first week or two. Practice good form, get used to lighter weight, and the progressively load (increase the weight) over a course of days/weeks. This will prevent DOMS and allow you to be consistent with your workouts.