Should I still lift?

  • Ok, I joined a gym about a month ago (ok, I actually started working there and got a free membership) and after doing 3 weeks of cardio, I took the orientation to the weights two days ago! (I can't afford a personal trainer, but a free weight orientation I can do!)

    Now today I am in incredible pain! (ok, it's not that bad I'm just a wimp!) I'm a bit sore when I go to stand after sitting for awhile, and I was especially sore when I rolled out of bed this morning. However as I move around it starts to go away.

    My question is this, should I still lift today? (I was going to try and go M, W, F every week!) Or since I'm new at this, should I just sit around and be cautious??
  • The worst soreness you will experience is when you start out. You could lift today but I think whatever muscles are really sore on you today may need a day or two longer.

    You might also want to look at splitting your workout differently if you are doing all muscle groups every day. My plan is the following:

    Su - UBWO (Upper body work out - weights)
    M - Cardio
    T - LBWO (Lower body work out - weights)
    W - Cardio
    Th - UBWO
    F - Cardio
    S - Rest
    Su - LBWO
    M - Cardio
    T - UBWO
    W - Cardio
    etc etc

    So basically every 4 days, I work the same muscle group. Trust me, on some weeks, I need those 4 days as I am still sore up to the 3rd day.