working out when you are sore?

  • I was just wondering if its a bad idea to do a workout when your muscles are already sore? I did a bunch of squats and lunges on Saturday, and my legs/butt are pretty sore. I normally go to the gym and do cardio on Mondays, but I don't want to sabotage myself if it would be better to just let my muscles heal.
  • I would go - Cardio will loosen the tight muscles from the squats and lunges.
  • Another vote for going. Cardio & strength training work the muscles differently. I have exercised with sore muscles and actually felt better afterward.
  • Yes. Don't do lunges and squats but cardio would be good. If you think you are terribly sore and cannot do even cardio, then do a warm up and then do lots of stretching. A yoga class would do you good, too.
  • alright, I'm going to go! Thanks guys! I am not horribly sore, just sore enough to feel I did something with those muscles. Last week I did the lunges and squats and could barely walk, or sit or stand for two or three days after, this is definitely progress!
  • I went, and I'm so glad I did. At first my legs felt like they had lead weights on 'em; i felt sluggish, but then I hit my stride and it felt so good to move. And I have to say I barely feel sore anymore. I love win-win situations!
  • Yay! Success!
  • Yeah, that was an interesting discovery of mine, too. With some soreness, it takes a little of "the hair of the dog" that bit you to help loosen up those well-used muscles again.
  • Quote: I went, and I'm so glad I did. At first my legs felt like they had lead weights on 'em; i felt sluggish, but then I hit my stride and it felt so good to move. And I have to say I barely feel sore anymore. I love win-win situations!
    Atta girl!