A Sore Subject
You know the expression "No pain, no gain" — well, it's certainly true when it comes to adding lean muscle. After working out a particular body part, it's often sore a day or two afterward, especially if you're not in the habit of exercising. This is called delayed onset muscle soreness, and it's caused by tiny tears in the muscle fiber. Over time, the tears heal and cause the muscle to grow. The pain is a necessary part of getting stronger, so don't let it keep you from sticking to your workout plan. Challenge yourself to keep going, even if the going is tough. You can fend off the soreness somewhat by stretching the body parts you're working out during the rest periods between super sets. If you're already sore, ibuprofen or aspirin will ease the pain a bit; some studies suggest that extra doses of vitamin C can help get rid of the ache. Engaging in some light aerobic exercise, because it increases blood flow, will also hel! p reduce soreness. If a muscle is still painful after four or five days, check with your doctor to make sure you haven't sustained a serious injury.
You know the expression "No pain, no gain" — well, it's certainly true when it comes to adding lean muscle. After working out a particular body part, it's often sore a day or two afterward, especially if you're not in the habit of exercising. This is called delayed onset muscle soreness, and it's caused by tiny tears in the muscle fiber. Over time, the tears heal and cause the muscle to grow. The pain is a necessary part of getting stronger, so don't let it keep you from sticking to your workout plan. Challenge yourself to keep going, even if the going is tough. You can fend off the soreness somewhat by stretching the body parts you're working out during the rest periods between super sets. If you're already sore, ibuprofen or aspirin will ease the pain a bit; some studies suggest that extra doses of vitamin C can help get rid of the ache. Engaging in some light aerobic exercise, because it increases blood flow, will also hel! p reduce soreness. If a muscle is still painful after four or five days, check with your doctor to make sure you haven't sustained a serious injury.
Fight Pain With Pain
Sure, it's hard to start the next workout when you're still feeling stiff from the previous one. But remember that those achy body parts are really the little red devil on your shoulder, trying to convince you that working out is not a good idea. Don't give in! Nothing will ease the pain like keeping up the routines. As exercise becomes a set part of your day, the soreness will occur less frequently. You're building up resistance — these are growing pains, and they'll diminish as you pump up the workout. Trust us — it's worth it.
Sure, it's hard to start the next workout when you're still feeling stiff from the previous one. But remember that those achy body parts are really the little red devil on your shoulder, trying to convince you that working out is not a good idea. Don't give in! Nothing will ease the pain like keeping up the routines. As exercise becomes a set part of your day, the soreness will occur less frequently. You're building up resistance — these are growing pains, and they'll diminish as you pump up the workout. Trust us — it's worth it.
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