Muscle Soreness

paige_pharr
paige_pharr Posts: 4
edited October 7 in Fitness and Exercise
I'm 28 and pathetically out of shape. I'm way more fatigued on a daily basis than I have any right to be. Obviously I'm new to the whole exercise thing and my question is: I went for a 45 minute walk last night and I'm super sore (but I definitely had a ton of energy afterwards). I want to keep my momentum going and hit the pavement again today, but with being as sore as I am, will that do more harm than good?

Replies

  • ajbeans
    ajbeans Posts: 2,857 Member
    Nope, it'll work out the soreness and you'll feel better. Keep moving, and do some light stretching after your walk. Make sure to drink plenty of water too, as that seems to help.

    If we were talking lifting weights, you would want to take a rest day from the weights, but you would still keep the muscles moving to keep them warmed up.
  • ninerbuff
    ninerbuff Posts: 48,993 Member
    I'm 28 and pathetically out of shape. I'm way more fatigued on a daily basis than I have any right to be. Obviously I'm new to the whole exercise thing and my question is: I went for a 45 minute walk last night and I'm super sore (but I definitely had a ton of energy afterwards). I want to keep my momentum going and hit the pavement again today, but with being as sore as I am, will that do more harm than good?
    Soreness is okay as long as it's not totally debilitating. There's sore and there's injured. Go ahead and walk again and the soreness should recede a little.


    A.C.E. Certified Personal Trainer
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    Been in fitness for 28+ years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition
  • tigersword
    tigersword Posts: 8,059 Member
    Best way to cure minor muscle soreness is more exercise. When you get out of your comfort zone physically, your body gets sore as it slowly recovers. However, pushing it again, will "motivate" it recover faster, and you end up being less sore.

    Of course, like ninerbuff said, there's sore, and then there's injured. Make sure to know the difference.
  • paige_pharr
    paige_pharr Posts: 4
    Awesome! I've always assumed I'd hate walking (not sure why) but I actually really enjoyed it so I'm raring to get out there again!
  • ajbeans
    ajbeans Posts: 2,857 Member
    Awesome! I've always assumed I'd hate walking (not sure why) but I actually really enjoyed it so I'm raring to get out there again!

    :drinker: Good on you! Keep it up! :happy:
  • NettyB62
    NettyB62 Posts: 45
    I can relate..I am sore and stiff today. I didn't even sleep well. My plan is yoga..I have a Biggest Loser Yoga DVD..it is awesome..got it at Wal Mart. Good stretching.
  • teriojo
    teriojo Posts: 10
    I used to believe in exercising even if I am in pain but then my body changed. If it hurts too much and I keep working it the same, I end up by feeling horrible and actually have pulled muscle and got injured. What you can do to avoid overwhelming pain is to change it up a bit. Maybe today you can tun up your favorite music and dance for 15 minutes and take a shorter walk. I think some light stretching would help-do this after a warm soak in the tub. I have also found that swimming does not hurt and actually makes my muscles feel better. And as suggested, drink your water. I think the work it until it burns works for some people, but for me, I have to listen to my body and be kind to myself.
  • trkinsky
    trkinsky Posts: 63 Member
    You are starting in a GREAT spot. MFP is a great forum for these types of questions and answers.

    I find that muscle soreness is very motivating. It tells me that I did something beneficial to my health the day before. It is really easy to abstain from activity if you are sore, but this is actually counter productive. There is, however a big difference between "sore" and "pain". If you are in pain take time off from the activity causing it. Since you are beginning your journey to getting in better shape, and you are sore from walking, get right back on the horse. Take another walk and you will be amazed at how the soreness actually feels better when you start moving again. I am 2 years into a fitness program and I constantly try to confuse my muscles so I can feel the "soreness" and break out of established routines
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