Little sore, rest or work it out?

katierg

Did a new routine with my trainer yesterday where we did 4 non-stop rounds of rows, kettle bell swings, push-ups, crunches and air squats. I was so whooped by the time it was over I felt nauseous. Today I feel pretty good except for some tightness and a little bit of soreness in my butt and thighs. I was contemplating going in today for some elliptical and then arm strengthening on the machines but I also heard it is good to let your muscles rest a day or so after a strenuous intense workout (like yesterdays). Advice? What would you do and why or why not?

canaussie

I'm in the same boat as you today. I am sore, sore, sore. I kicked butt at the gym yesterday and now can hardly sit down! I might wait until a little later tonight and just do a little cardio. Good luck and nice work at the gym yesterday!
K

laurenlei

I would do a little work out... no weighs just a little cardio. I had the same problem last week, i did a circuits class then spinning the next day - i couldnt walk properly for 3 days!!! if the pain is bearable, a little exercise will loosen it up. If, like me, its too painful, then definitely rest!!!

deannarey13

Maybe a 20-30 minute elliptical workout, but I wouldn't do any strength training on the same muscles. I work with a trainer as well and I would bet that by later today or even tomorrow your muscles will be even more sore. That is why I would give it a day. Your muscles are repairing themselves.

bex22mcn

Work through the pain baby!!!

JennsLosing

work through the pain! as long as its cardio...your muscles do need a day break when strength trainin

Setof2Keys

ALWAYS STRETCH afterwards, It dramatically reduces soreness!!

misscristie

Work it out. I was super sore yesterday. Went on a 6 mile walk last night and I feel great today.

katierg

The soreness isn't really bad, just feels stiff and uncomfortable. I think I will go for a 20min elliptical. Depending on how I feel after that I may work on some different muscles.

katierg

ALWAYS STRETCH afterwards, It dramatically reduces soreness!!

YES! I'm all about stretching. So many people overlook this. My new favorite after work out treatment is also the foam roll. Have you tried it? After I workout and stretch I use that to help loosen up any tight muscles and it's like getting a massage. OMG <333 it!

kicklikeaGIRL

I'm a fitness instructor and I run marathons...and honestly I am a little sore after just about every workout. This is because I'm constantly pushing myself a little harder and deeper. Its not a bad thing to be sore, necessarily. If you can move and it doesn't feel like you've pulled a muslce you can still push through additional workouts. There are times when you know your body needs the break, but for the most part I stick with my workouts unless I can honestly rate my pain as being "too much" to workout on. But, here are some tips I use:

1) I stretch for at least 10 full minutes, up to 40 minutes afterwards.
2) I never do strength training on the same muscles 2 days in a row. In fact, I'm the type of person who separates my strength training days and dedicates 2 separate days to strength training. Cardio the day after strength training workouts helps to alleviate and work out soreness in the muscles.
3) I will ice my joints or muscles that are sore from strenuous workouts, and I like to use a foam roller, especially on my legs.
4) I drink a lot of water, and I will eat a banana for potassium to help alleviate muscle aches.
5) I do a warm up. A lot of people forget that a warm up is essential for any workout to avoid injury. I've also found that doing a light warmup (For example: I'll do a light jog or walk before running hard) will also help keep me from being too sore.
6) I take a full on rest day. I won't do anything out of the ordinary to "exercise". Thats not to say I won't go for a light walk with my hubby to talk about life, or go to the park to play catch with my family. Or I'll even do a light and easy Yoga/Stretching-- mostly for meditation & stretching of the muscles. But, I won't do anything that I would consider something to add into my Exercise Diary. Rest days are very important.

Hope that helps!

katierg

VERY helpful. Thank you! Even more reason to get to the gym today.

I'm a fitness instructor and I run marathons...and honestly I am a little sore after just about every workout. This is because I'm constantly pushing myself a little harder and deeper. Its not a bad thing to be sore, necessarily. If you can move and it doesn't feel like you've pulled a muslce you can still push through additional workouts. There are times when you know your body needs the break, but for the most part I stick with my workouts unless I can honestly rate my pain as being "too much" to workout on. But, here are some tips I use:

1) I stretch for at least 10 full minutes, up to 40 minutes afterwards.
2) I never do strength training on the same muscles 2 days in a row. In fact, I'm the type of person who separates my strength training days and dedicates 2 separate days to strength training. Cardio the day after strength training workouts helps to alleviate and work out soreness in the muscles.
3) I will ice my joints or muscles that are sore from strenuous workouts, and I like to use a foam roller, especially on my legs.
4) I drink a lot of water, and I will eat a banana for potassium to help alleviate muscle aches.
5) I do a warm up. A lot of people forget that a warm up is essential for any workout to avoid injury. I've also found that doing a light warmup (For example: I'll do a light jog or walk before running hard) will also help keep me from being too sore.
6) I take a full on rest day. I won't do anything out of the ordinary to "exercise". Thats not to say I won't go for a light walk with my hubby to talk about life, or go to the park to play catch with my family. Or I'll even do a light and easy Yoga/Stretching-- mostly for meditation & stretching of the muscles. But, I won't do anything that I would consider something to add into my Exercise Diary. Rest days are very important.

Hope that helps!