Went to the gym two days ago

[debian0001]

I went to the gym for the first time two days ago with some friends that have been doing it a while. I did various arm exercises, lifted a 45 pound bar, did some sit ups where you catch a ball from the partner and throw back to him. This one weird double rope that you pull down and split it.

Anyways.. I am really sore... is it normal? Like even putting on my jacket sucks and my stomach feels tight.

I want to get in a routine but I'm afraid I'm gonna hurt myself...

I'm 27, 6 feet tall, and 155 pounds.

 

[LagunaX]

Yeah don't it hurt so good?

Normal.

In 1 week you'll be ready to go back.

In the meanwhile, motrin, creatine, and extra sleep.

 

[marmasatt]

Being active is one thing buddy but working out is different. If you are using muscles you've never really used or worked out before, then you will get sore. The more you exercise, the easier it becomes and the less sore you will be. Soon if you get in a routine, you will look forward to that feeling because it's a good sore and not a hurting sore if that makes sense. Very normal. You should be able to tell the difference between the normal muscle aches and a "strain" or pull though. The general soreness will not be as intense after 2 weeks or so. Take some Ibuprofen, extra protein and back off if it is not a good hurt. Make sense?

 

[Malfeas]

Throw in some squats and deadlifts next time and you will have a new definition of the word sore.

 

[SaurusX]

Like the others said, being your first time out it's not surprising at all. Your body just isn't used to the routine yet, but it will adjust and the soreness will diminish over time, but not entirely. I like being sore and squeezing the sore muscles. Feels good man.

 

[Pantlegz]

yea it's pretty normal. I'm kind of surprised that at 27 you're in shock that you're sore after working out for the first time.

 

[SociallyChallenged]

Yeah don't it hurt so good?

Normal.

In 1 week you'll be ready to go back.

In the meanwhile, motrin, creatine, and extra sleep.

Actually, no NSAIDs if you want to get stronger. It reduces the enzymes for repairing effectively and getting stronger. If you can't get by without NSAIDs, you need to reduce the weights/reps.

Also, creatine doesn't effect muscle soreness whatsoever in any research article. The best thing he can do is eat well (lots of veggies, greens, lean meats, nuts/seeds), drink a sufficient amount of water, and do some light activity to recover. Stretching will likely help reduce soreness in the future, but won't actually help with the current soreness.

 

[marmasatt]

Actually, no NSAIDs if you want to get stronger. It reduces the enzymes for repairing effectively and getting stronger. If you can't get by without NSAIDs, you need to reduce the weights/reps.

Also, creatine doesn't effect muscle soreness whatsoever in any research article. The best thing he can do is eat well (lots of veggies, greens, lean meats, nuts/seeds), drink a sufficient amount of water, and do some light activity to recover. Stretching will likely help reduce soreness in the future, but won't actually help with the current soreness.

Right. I don't think (or know) that anyone was implying that it would assist soreness. I think he was just being helpful saying - "Look, if you are new to working out, there are a few no-brainers out there that are cheap, legal, and will assist you".....Or that's how I took it. Protein, creatine, vitamins, IB's, water. They are your friends. (Didn't know that about the IB's though).

 

[Wyndru]

Throw in some squats and deadlifts next time and you will have a new definition of the word sore.

Haha, yup, I just got over a 1/2 week of not being able to walk normally. I feel great now, but it was hell taking each step during the recovery.

 

[tedrodai]

I remember doing that to myself a couple of times in high school. I did it the first time I ever lifted weights with a squat workout, and then once again after a significant layoff the next summer. Then I learned not to start so heavy when I haven't lifted in a while.