Super sore legs

gethotabs130

Hi. I am likely going to ask very simple and silly questions, even questions I already know the answers to sometimes. Questions I could probably easily get answered by a simple google search, but this is way easier and less time consuming, so here is my first one.

Two days ago I did my first 60 minute cycling class. I wanted to cry, felt slightly nauseated, didn't always follow exactly what the instructor said, but made it through and was complimented by the guy next to me at the end for doing so well.

Yesterday, I could NOT walk. My legs were hating me.

Today, my legs still hate me. But I'd like to attend a second Cycling class this evening.

Should I wait until my muscles heal a little more or should I just take some aleve, sit in the hot tub, and work through it?

Any advice is welcome. Thanks.

ninerbuff

Not uncommon to still be sore a couple of days later especially if you haven't trained hard. You could probably go to class albeit you probably may not be able to work out as hard. But using the muscles and getting blood into them will actually make them feel better and heal faster.

A.C.E. Certified Personal/Group FitnessTrainer
IDEA Fitness member
Kickboxing Certified Instructor
Been in fitness for 28+ years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition

seekingstrengthX2

Agree. When I am sore (usually from long runs), I do the elliptical the next day at the gym, even if I don't feel like. My legs end up feeling much better afterwards.

gethotabs130

Yes! Thank you. I was really hoping it would be okay to still go to class. I am in no way in shape. I just got back into swimming and bike around my neighborhood a few times a week. I made it through the cycling class but that was the first super hard workout I have done that lasted more than 15 minutes, in a loooong time. If I can't train as hard tonight, I am okay with it since I'll know why and at this point, just getting to the gym to do anything is a big accomplishment for me.

meg7399

make sure you stretch after the class and drink lots of water! When I was training for my half, my legs often didn't want to run back to back days of 7-8 miles...but I did it and was happier in the long run!

ItsCasey

An ice bath is great for muscle recovery in the legs. Most people won't do it because they're pansies, but it works. Regular foam rolling is also good for your legs.

contingencyplan

In my experience nothing helps with leg soreness better than lower body specific calisthenics. Bodyweight squats are the answer.

Flamenquero

You shocked yoru system. This is good. Go to class. Don't feel sorry for yourself. Pretty soon you will emerge victorious.

gethotabs130

Thanks everyone!