[OneStepAtATime]

I've been hearing conflicting things on this.

I did a new workout video on Wednesday, and the next day woke up with horrible soreness in my thighs, bottom, and upper abs. So I decided to walk for a half hour on the treadmil so I could still get some exercise in, and because I read online that doing more exercise would help.

Well, it still hurts today, and I would almost say it's worse. The problem is, I only take 2 days off a week, and I've used up those days.

So, should I rest today? Should I keep walking? What's best to do for my muscles?

[Dyeral]

When I feel like that I make myself do more exercise because I found that it makes the soreness go away much faster. I typically spend more time stretching and doing a cool down to ease the tension. After doing p90x yoga last night my thighs were killing me when I woke up today. I wasn't sure I was going to be able to work out my legs and back as planned. After the first 10-15 minutes I hardly noticed it anymore. So I would say continue as planned but don't hurt yourself. If you in extreme pain I would definitely stop. However, if it is just soreness I would go on as planned. Hope this helped!

[ennay]

Do a low to medium effort workout. Treadmill, stationary bike, brisk walk , elliptical, swimming is awesome if you can. Movement always is better than not movement unless there is actual injury.

I would not do weight training in the areas that are still very sore as it will not be as beneficial as allowing it to rest another day and being able to hit it harder.

[mandalinn82]

Sign me onto Ennay's post...absent an injury, I always feel better faster if I get cardio in.

[taramc]

I agree with the other ladies. I would do the treadmill just so you keep moving but straining the sole muscles too much.

[orangebelpeper]

I would say maybe if your resting 2 days a week how about add a third day a week where you either do easy pilates, yoga, or 45 minutes of stretching.

[HalfPint71]

Great advice from my massage therapist:

for large muscle groups, back, hips, legs, etc.:

hold each stretch for 60 seconds minimum. because the muscle is large, it takes at least that time to really unwind and stretch the muscle

for smaller muscle groups, arms, neck, etc:

hold for a minumum of 30 seconds

Best advice I ever got! I am rarely sore when I warm up properly and do at least 5 minutes of stretching. It will seem like forever, but you won't be nearly as sore for the next day or two.