Shoulders are tired - but I want to kayak. Bad idea?

GummyHuman

I have been attempting stronglift 5x5 for the last month or so. (I say attempting because I don't quite have it down or have the right equipment yet, but I am doing variations that I hope are similar enough. I am seeing small differences, so I think I am on the right track.) I also like to kayak, which I have been doing for almost a year.

It's been REALLY windy around here lately and that makes the resistance MUCH greater when kayaking. (at least in one direction) I have been avoiding kayaking in heavy winds on lifting days, but haven't thought twice about it on calm days.

Friday I went kayaking and the last mile was in a head on, unrelenting wind. (no gusts, just straight wind) My shoulders were feeling it! Probably the toughest wind and current I have ever paddled against for that amount of time/distance. Yesterday (Saturday) I did my lifting and the shoulders were DONE by the end. No pain, just jelly.

Today, the winds are calm and it's sunny and i want to go 'yaking. But my shoulders are still a little bit jelly. I want to avoid injury and I haven't ever put my shoulders through this much. I would be able to take it easier today, as the winds are only at 7mph.

Would it be best to lay off until the shoulders don't feel so tired? Other than a dislocation, I have never had any shoulders issues. I would like to keep it that way. I am just not sure if 45-50 minutes of kayaking will allow my shoulders the rest they need. Any thoughts?

KatrinaWilke

I think you know your body best. But personally, I would rest ONLY if it was interfering with my other activities or causing injury. If your goal is to gain muscle and kayaking is interfering with your lifting, then you should probably let your shoulders rest a bit before you lift again. You want to get the full benefit from your lifting session. But if you are still able to lift no problem even after kayaking, then keep on!