Can't Extend Arms Fully After Circuit Training

uclaxtina
uclaxtina Posts: 67 Member
edited November 17 in Fitness and Exercise
I went to my 2nd Circuit Training class this Saturday. The instructor focused on upper body so we did bicep curls, lunges with bicep curls, crunches with weights, etc. I was slightly sore immediately after but today, two days later, it is very painful to fully extend my arms. The pain is centered around elbow bicep area. Is this normal? Should I avoid anymore weights for this week. My next class is on Saturday again.

Replies

  • L1zardQueen
    L1zardQueen Posts: 8,753 Member
    edited April 2017
    Yea, I would give it a few more days. Maybe take an anti-inflammatory, that may help. I hope you feel better soon
  • Cortelli
    Cortelli Posts: 1,369 Member
    You've been introduced to DOMS -- delayed onset muscle soreness.

    It should recede as you get into a more regular rhythm of exercise - you mentioned this was your second class. It hits me bad on Day 2 (just like you are experiencing) if I have been sidelined for awhile (injury, example) and then come back to more normal routine.
  • rileysowner
    rileysowner Posts: 8,336 Member
    Without knowing more I would say this sounds pretty normal for a beginner. You likely overdid it. While it will be uncomfortable, keeping things moving can help in recovering.
  • uclaxtina
    uclaxtina Posts: 67 Member
    Thanks for the replies! I'll try the pain meds for now. Yes, I feel like maybe I overdid it starting with 5 lb weights in each hand. Halfway through the class I switched down to 3 lb weights because it was too hard. I really don't have any upper body strength. I'm just glad it seems normal and I didn't inadvertently injure myself.
  • kaizaku
    kaizaku Posts: 1,039 Member
    By Saturday you would up and running. If anything training will get easier compared to the first time. Keep it up ☺
  • beerfoamy
    beerfoamy Posts: 1,520 Member
    ahh DOMS :smile:

    Definitely keep things moving and it will get easier. I would go to class on Saturday and do what you can. Moving does help.

    I used to really feel it on the second day after BodyPump. It is sneaky cos the day after, you think you are fine, then bam, next day, cannot move.

    Congrats for pushing yourself with the 5lb weights! and for lowering them to 3lbs when you realised you were struggling. I see sooooo many people sacrificing form because they don't want to lower their weights and they are the ones that are likely to be injuring themselves.

    bit of a ramble there sorry, but yes, keep doing the classes and the DOMS will lessen B)
  • Ironandwine69
    Ironandwine69 Posts: 2,432 Member
    Washing your hair after upper body workouts is a b****. So is sitting on the toilet after leg day.
    But these are small price to pay in order to be hot dam sexy.
  • Cortelli
    Cortelli Posts: 1,369 Member
    Welp, guess OP has received the answers she was looking for . . . and that gives an opportunity for a few funny pictures:

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    9jng90k7htx4.jpg
  • crackpotbaby
    crackpotbaby Posts: 1,297 Member
    Is it soreness or pain?

    Pain needs to be investigated. Stiffness and soreness is one thing. Pain and injury is different.

    Also, if you have swelling in the area where the pain is or if you are not weeing much or have dark, rust coloured urine you need to see a doctor imediatelty.
  • ijsantos2005
    ijsantos2005 Posts: 306 Member
    I hope she's doing those curls with full range of motion.
  • uclaxtina
    uclaxtina Posts: 67 Member
    lizery wrote: »
    Is it soreness or pain?

    Pain needs to be investigated. Stiffness and soreness is one thing. Pain and injury is different.

    Also, if you have swelling in the area where the pain is or if you are not weeing much or have dark, rust coloured urine you need to see a doctor imediatelty.

    It must have been soreness because today it's mostly gone. Pain meds helped control the intensity. I'm afraid this will happen again on Saturday when I go to the class again. Should I just start with the lowest weights?
  • uclaxtina
    uclaxtina Posts: 67 Member
    ijsantos2005 wrote: »
    I hope she's doing those curls with full range of motion.

    I'm very new to strength exercises so I thought we shouldn't extend the arms fully when doing bicep curls. Is that what you mean? I probably wasn't doing full range of motion.
  • ijsantos2005
    ijsantos2005 Posts: 306 Member
    uclaxtina wrote: »
    ijsantos2005 wrote: »
    I hope she's doing those curls with full range of motion.

    I'm very new to strength exercises so I thought we shouldn't extend the arms fully when doing bicep curls. Is that what you mean? I probably wasn't doing full range of motion.

    Yes, exactly! You should generally do all movements for full range of motion.
  • ShielaFrancisco
    ShielaFrancisco Posts: 10 Member
    Yes it's normal specially if that is the firs time.. you will feel some pain on your body.
  • canadianlbs
    canadianlbs Posts: 5,199 Member
    uclaxtina wrote: »
    I'm just glad it seems normal and I didn't inadvertently injure myself.

    it's normal, but whenever i find myself super-sore i try to stay on top of the [gentle!!!] stretching to make sure the muscle will keep its full range of motion as it rebuilds. don't quote me since i'm just bro-ing, but i feel like
    this is the way that adhesions and shortening happen.

    but again, be gentle. keep it in the hurts but feels good kind of range, not the sort of feeling that makes you clench your jaw and count every second.
  • jenilla1
    jenilla1 Posts: 11,118 Member
    canadianlbs wrote: »
    uclaxtina wrote: »
    I'm just glad it seems normal and I didn't inadvertently injure myself.

    ...don't quote me since i'm just bro-ing...

    Quoting you anyway.

    1ar0ahisme8k.gif

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