Post-workout soreness - rest day or push through?

[cmarie11]

I started at a new gym on tuesday that only offers group classes. It's similar to a crossfit style workout - lots of weights, little cardio. I took a body scuplting class on Tuesday, and it was by far, the hardest workout I've ever done. Now, two days later, I am still SO sore that it hurts to climb the stairs, sit down etc.

I really wanted to go to class today, but it hurts like hell to even do 1 squat. Do I sit it out another day, or push through the pain and do as much as I can at class?

[juangela]

I would go to class and let the instructor know you're sore. I find that working out decreases my soreness.

That said, if you are experiencing pain vs just soreness, I would stay out another day or two.

[hjohnson050711]

working out really helps soreness. unless something "hurts" like an injury then i usually push through

[softspot]

Day 2 is the worst for me, but I generally feel better after working out. You can always go & stop if it's too much.

[aweilba]

I usually try to push through it if I'm sore, but if I'm in pain, I try to take a day off or work something totally different than the area that hurts. I find that my muscle stiffness can sometimes be decreased by working out, but actual pain is a little different.

[shelbyann]

Hm, I've always thought that you shouldn't really work the same muscle group hard two days in a row, in order to allow your muscles time to recover/rebuild. So if it's the exact same types of exercises, I'd probably skip it in favor of some easy cardio. But if they'll be doing different muscle groups you should be fine.

[aurora]

Jun 21, 2012 16:00:13 GMT -5 shelbyann said:

Hm, I've always thought that you shouldn't really work the same muscle group hard two days in a row, in order to allow your muscles time to recover/rebuild. So if it's the exact same types of exercises, I'd probably skip it in favor of some easy cardio. But if they'll be doing different muscle groups you should be fine.

It sounds like she had a rest day yesterday (Wed) so this wouldn't be 2 days in a row.

OP, I vote for go but take it a little easier and stop if it gets worse, assuming what you are feeling is just regular soreness and not injury.