Saturday, October 8, 2011

Sore After Exercise?



My legs are super sore from a tough workout yesterday. Even though my legs don’t want me to do anything I know that lying around watching The Kardashian Wedding is not going to make me feel better. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned exerciser everyone experiences muscle soreness. It’s very normal to be sore. Don’t be scared of the feeling. Here are some things you can do to help.

Everyone should cool down after a workout, especially beginners. Cooling down helps lactic acid leave the muscles fast. That burning feeling that happens during your workouts is lactic acid building up. It happens because your muscles are not getting enough oxygen. You can help get rid of the lactic acid by continuing to get your move on. Walking is a great idea.

If you are sore for one or two days after a weight training session or a great cardio workout you are experiencing DOMS (Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness). DOMS is caused by microscopic tears inside the muscles.

REST: you have to rest the muscles you just worked the next day maybe take 2 days off if you are crazy sore. That does not mean you can lay on the couch snoozing with your cat. Maybe some cardio or if you love to lift you should try focusing on other muscle groups. If you don’t rest your body won’t ever get a chance to get stronger and you will get weaker. BOO!

 Take measures into your own hands:
1. Always warm-up for 5-10 minutes and cool-down for at least 5 minutes.
2. Stretch. Only stretch when your muscles are already warm from some kind of light activity.
3. Keep Moving. The more your muscles move, the faster they will recover from exercise and soreness. If you choose to rest completely instead of "actively recovering" with light exercise, you'll probably be sore longer. 

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