Working Out While Sore: Things to Know

We have all been sore after a tough workout. I think one of the biggest questions is if you should even be working out when you are sore. While soreness can make you feel like throwing in the towel, you probably need to power through it. It’s hard for anyone else to say what’s going on with your body, but here are some guidelines to help you out when you are feeling sore.

Is it soreness or injury?

There is only one real way to tell. You need to do your workout. Ugh, I know. But the best way to judge is to take it easy and let your body warm up a bit. If you warm up and the soreness goes away, you are good to go. It’s just a bit of soreness. If you warm up and are still hurting you may want to skip this one. You may not be injured, but your body needs to recuperate. If the pain lasts for a couple days, you may want to see a professional.

Take it easy

If you are sore then that is a sign to not push that part so hard. Continue to exercise because it helps with the circulation but don’t strain yourself. Skipping a workout and just sitting around is actually worse for soreness than doing your workout. Make sure you warm up before your workout and then maybe do half. Use the rest of the time to really stretch and work out the stiffness.

Learn to deal

To a certain extent, you are going to need to get used to the idea of being sore. At first it may feel like you are torturing yourself, but eventually it won’t be quite so bad. You will come to see soreness as a good thing! It shows you that you are working your body in a new and different way, which is always beneficial. You can’t do the same workout forever! Whenever I changed things up my body lets me know.

Go easy

Starting a new workout program can be exciting! We pop in that new DVD and hit it hard only to wake up the next day stiff and barely able to move. Rather than going crazy that first day, it’s important to pace yourself. If you end up hurting yourself you can actually set yourself back. Go through the motions and exercise, but there is no need to over do it.

Eat good food

As you exercise, your body is going to be needing certain vitamins and nutrients. Eating junk food just isn’t going to cut it. When you are eating lots of fresh fruits and veggies along with a sensible meal your body is going to thank you. The better food choices you make, the less sore your body will be. It may not save you from being sore completely, but there is no need to suffer more than we have to, am I right? Pay attention to what you are eating and make sure you aren’t skipping out on any valuable nutrients.