I am really [censored] sore

[NT!]

This is a question for you OOT strongmen.

I recently started lifting weights / working out again after not having a gym membership for a few months due to relocation, unemployment etc. I am a 23 year old male in good health and decent physical shape. Prior to my layoff I had been doing weight training for just a few months.

Anyway, after going back to the gym I have been really sore. Yesterday I did shoulders and abs and ran on the treadmill for a while. Afterwards I spent some time familiarizing myself with the machines in my new gym (quite different from my old one).

Naturally I expect to be sore, I had a good workout. However, I wonder if you guys have any tips on reducing soreness the day(s) after you work out. I have always been told to do a light set of each exercise you did the previous day and I stretch pretty well. I take a whey protein supplement if that matters.

Thanks
NT

[guids]

Drink lots of water, jog/walk after a workout, 3-4 hours after your workout take a hot shower, rub the muscles that you worked out really hard, then taper off to a cold shower. The rubbing has something to do with keeping something from depositing or doing something to the muscle, I honestly cant remember, but it works.

[Artdogg]

The first time you work a muscle group heavy in a long time you could be sore up to 1-2 weeks, regardless of if you worked it light before. Stretching more will help, but the next time you are able to work that group it will get MUCH better.

[NT!]

Is the jogging supposed to flush out lactic acid or whatever? I remember somebody mentioning this in a Clemens thread.

NT

[five4suited]

i think the water, jogging and hot shower/rubdown all prevent lactic acid buildup

[kyleb]

[ QUOTE ]
Is the jogging supposed to flush out lactic acid or whatever? I remember somebody mentioning this in a Clemens thread.

[/ QUOTE ]

That was me, and yes, this helps. It's important for people who have repeated strain on a specific set of muscles, like pitchers do. Probably not all that important for people lifting weights, but it can't hurt.

Also - eat a banana. You might want to restore your potassium levels. Are you taking a multi-vitamin and drinking enough water?

[NT!]

[ QUOTE ]
Also - eat a banana. You might want to restore your potassium levels. Are you taking a multi-vitamin and drinking enough water?

[/ QUOTE ]

Yeah, I drink lots of water. That reminds me, I just ate dinner, gotta take a vitamin, thanks.

I hate bananas though.

NT

[SackUp]

The advice above is good. Another very important, but often overlooked think is STRETCHING. This helps prevents tons of injuries and will prevent a lot of soreness after lifting.

[jws43yale]

Creatine can greatly help with recovery as well.

[IggyWH]

Isn't potassium supposed to be really good for sore muscles? Banana's and OJ are good sources of potassium.