After finding something that works .. for me repeatedly returning to the elliptical and using my indoor bike. I've found taking my one day off doesn't cure the soreness. Anyone else been here? Is it possible those sore muscles are a sign I'm burning calories beyond the time I was actually moving on the machines? Just curious what knowledge y'all could share on the matter with me .. thx.

I'm not sure I understand the question.

Are you asking if you're burning calories after exercise, because of the exercise, and if soreness is a sign of this? If so, the answer is no.

You do burn calories after exercise and the more intese the exercise the more calories you'll burn. This is known as EPOC but the number of calories is pretty minimal.

When your body is building muscles it does take energy to do it but this happens over a period of time and so the daily amount of energy utilized is minimal.

Soreness is causes by DOMS and has nothing to do with energy utilization after exercise. Look up "DOMS" for more information.

Will do. Thanks John. =)

For me... about 2 days after a hard workout my soreness starts to peak... Not sure how long you're been doing your current routine, but it does take some time before the soreness after workouts becomes less noticeable... Although I run a lot... and I have been for a very, very long time and I still get pretty sore from time to time...