Take a Break or Power Through?

merrycat

I've been doing the thrity day shred for just a few days now, and have developed painful shin splints. Thanks to the advice here I'm going to be doing exercises to help stretch, heal and strengthen my shins. But in the meanwhile, do I need to take a couple of days off until the pain abates, or can I just force myself through and they'll heal on their own?

I'd rather not lose the progress I made by stopping, but I don't want to cause damage. Advice?

Angela_MA

Everyone is different, but when I went through basic training in the Navy I developed shine splints from marching early on. We were not allowed to take breaks, so I had to power through it and eventually they went away (I would say maybe a week). I would say power through it, but if you feel you need to take a break I would say rest for a day and get back on your schedule.

Mrs_TrimWaistFatWallet

Try taking some advil before a workout and doing a LOT of stretching. I've powered through shin splits before.. but some people say no way!

Also take a hard look at your (running?) stride and your shoes/insoles. Make sure you're getting the proper technique and cushion from your shoes.

fitaliciag

I was in bootcamp for the Navy as well. I didn't develop shin splints, but i knew many who did. i would say take a break because they can become stress fractures.

merrycat

Hmm.. well, I definitely don't want fractures. How do you know if your shins are that bad? Is it just a matter of the amount of pain?

Perhaps if I do other cardio and yoga, in addition to the stretches for a day or two, and start back up with the 30DS on Sunday it I won't lose too much ground.

bhb301

Do not injury youself more. Take a break, make sure you have good shoes

Kanzaki3

Whenever I'm in a lot of pain, I just decrease the intensity level of my workout. It's also important to take at least a day off per week from exercising. You need to give your whole body some time to heal and recover.