Q. When I work out, I am so sore that it takes me a week to get back to the next workout. When is the pain going to subside?
A. First of all, if you are sore past two days you have definitely overdone your workout. I see it all the time; people are so excited about starting their workout that they just go crazy! They come 5 to 7 days a week, stay for about two hours ,or they come once, overdo it and can’t move for a week and try it again, eventually giving up and starting back the following New Year repeating the vicious cycle. Why do we put ourselves through that? I say “we” because even I overdo it.
I know it comes as a shock to you, but just the other day I overdid it on push-ups. After my neck fusion, push-ups don’t get along with me. But it is such a great exercise (even though I don’t like them) I use them in my classes. Oh, I forgot to tell you; they LOVE doing them … NOT!
I am OK when I do the push- up; it is the aftermath that makes me hurt bad. And I am not talking about normal two-day muscle soreness either.
Why do we do it? Why can’t we just start slowly? Why can’t we stay away from exercises that are just not right for our bodies?
On my behalf, I have to say it’s stubbornness and knowing how good the exercise is. So is it worth paying for it for a week or more? While I am doing it I don’t think about that! So I hope this time I learned my lesson and will stay away from push-ups. (I’ll just have my classes do extras. That’ll work! I enjoy that!)
It’s all about planning isn’t it? Plan your workouts at least a week ahead. Try to be as specific as possible in your plans, keeping in mind injuries, inactivity, fitness levels, etc.
And start with baby steps. You are better off starting slowly and sticking with it than coming out like a race horse and giving it all up before you know it. If you need help with setting goals, our trainers and trainers at other clubs can help you set goals and assist you in reaching them the sensible way.
Have you ever hurt so bad you feel like strapping your toothbrush to the counter and just move your head back and forth?
Take it easy!
Contact Ester Hoeben with health and fitness questions at 704-636-0111 or ehoeben@ rowanymca.com.