Muscle Soreness | Something to Brag About?
FIRST…
I remember my first Adrenaline class like it was yesterday….
I was pre-warned of how “insane the trainer was” how “insane the workout is” and how if you want results you will get them best through this style of training…of course, I was skeptical.
My thought was that “I work-out”, “I play sports”, “I’m already in shape” how hard can this class be and how can it challenge me that much…I had the mentally that most guys have coming into these classes…that it would be too easy, opposite of building muscle tone, and not something that would give results not accomplished through the weight training, sports.
I was very very wrong…my friend on the other hand was very very right! Danielle was definitely insane and the workout was too!! I had muscles sore that I didn’t know existed. And my muscles were sore for a length of time I didn’t know was possible. This made me realize that i was missing out and that this this training styles must get results! It was exactly what I needed to break my plateau and really re-shape and get the level of fitness i wanted.
So on to the point of this post. How to deal with the sometimes inevitable muscle soreness and embrace it
Of course muscle soreness is not required to build muscle or burn fat…muscle soreness typically is just a result of trying something different, working ignored muscles or pushing your body in a way in which it isn’t accustomed. But again, it’s not required to gain muscle mass or burn fat.
BEING SORE THE NEXT DAY (s)
It’s normal to have sore muscles after you exercise, again it’s a good thing! For me it means I’ve pushed my limits and have worked new areas.
Reasons our muscles are sore can be:
- You did an activity you’re not used to… “Shocking your Muscles”…A Good Thing!
- You suddenly kicked up your exercise intensity level or increased the length of your workout… “Pushing your Limits”…A Good Thing!
- You did eccentric exercises, in which you lengthened instead of shortened your muscle…a bit technical, but A Good Thing none the less!
WHAT TO DO ABOUT IT?
Well, I definitely know what not to do about it. DO NOT GIVE UP! Don’t be upset and definitely do not be discouraged. This is the reason we take classes, exercise, or workout. ALSO, it is important at this point to keep going…do not take a few weeks off to wait and go. If you do this, you will be just as sore the next time you do this type of exercise.
OKAY; HERES MORE TO DO:
- Warm-Up Before Workout
- Stretch After Workout
It’s actually better to get in a good warm-up before you exercise and save the stretching for afterward, when your muscles are already warm.
If you are looking for more help…a couple of natural substances have been touted for preventing sore muscles, including antioxidants like vitamin C. You also might find relief from post-workout soreness by beefing up on protein.
IS IT WORTH IT?
Well those who have results and continue to work out will tell you YES! I myself know it’s worth it…it took about 2 months of doing Adrenaline classes for me to finally see these muscles I didn’t know I had and have a core strength that blows my mind daily. This type of training to me is the secret weapon, what has allowed me personally to shred-up, while increasing cardio AND muscle tone at the same time.
The price to pay for this was muscle soreness at first because I was working areas that have been missed in my traditional gym routine or lack of certain exercises.
Look at sore day’s as a positive, it means you are getting something out of your workouts. It’s something to even look forward to…if you don’t already, you might soon!