I couldn't even brush my hair...

[veggiewriter]

On Friday I met with a personal trainer in my new gym. I've decided to get serious about losing weight and getting back into shape. I love lifting, used to do it 4x week (5 years ago), and so I was happy that he was focusing more on the weights than the cardio. I was able to do all the sets he asked me to, though some of them were difficult to finish. I felt great afterwards.

HOWEVER: Saturday morning I woke up practically incapable of moving my arms! I had to drive my sister to work and she had to put my seatbelt on me, I couldn't reach back and up to get it. Sunday was better, but I still had trouble extending my arm while handing someone a pencil.

Today (Monday) isn't too bad, but I'm using my headset rather than lifting the telephone receiver--that was just too much for me.

I'm meeting my trainer again tomorrow night (Tuesday); assuming I'm able to do any lifting (will he expect me to?), should I prepare myself for this level of horribleness again--and if so, how long until my muscles stop freaking out after I work them?

I was using Ben-Gay this weekend, but I finished the tube and don't think it's an animal-friendly type of product--is there something else I should be buying? I don't have a bathtub to soak in, though a hot shower did help.

Basically, (1) am I doomed to be in pain for the next couple of months until my arms get used to this, and (2) what do you use to prevent muscle pain/cramps?

[tROPICALgIRL]

No pain no gain...old saying but very true! I have been in to weight training pretty much my whole life. What is happening is that those muscles are being ripped and are repairing. It takes a few months to not feel the pain if you maintain the weights you are using now. If you go up in weight pounds than you may feel a little pain but nothing as severe as the first month! I have always just put up witht he pain so I don't really have some miracle cure to offer you ;) But wtg on getting back in there. Oh ya, yes your trainer will have you lifting again but it will be on other body parts which means.....Guess what?!?!?! More pain! Sorry. It's worth it :)

[NaturalChick]

Veggiewriter-- this may sound extreme and all, but here's what I suggest when you find yourself as bad off as that. First, take some advil. Then take a hot shower (really hot) and let your muscles soak in the heat for about 10minutes then turn the temperature down so that the water is cold and let your muscles soak in the cold water for 10 minutes. Get out and do some deep stretching. You should feel better.

The best thing you can do to prevent these aches and pains is streching really well after a workout (streching moderately before a workout is also recommended). If you still feel this awful even w/stretching then you are pushing too hard. You should feel some soreness in the muscles that got worked hard, but nothing so extreme as you experienced. It should only last a day or so. You may need to tell your trainer that you need to take things down a notch.

Disclaimer: some athletes use advil (which is an anti-inflammitory) all the time to help them feel better after working out. some studies have shown this to reduce the benefits of the work-out. also, it's never a good idea to use meds regularly unless necessary.

[NDvegan85]

Veggiewriter, make sure that you tell your trainer how you felt the next day! I would doubt that he intended for you to feel that way! No pain, no gain... to a point, but you will make faster gains with small increments and being...functional... in between workouts than killing yourself each time out. Plus, think about how long you are going to be able stick to this if you can't move after each time that you lift.

[veggiewriter]

Hah! Thanks all. It's been a long time since I've worked out regularly, and this weekend was just SO much harder than it even had been. I'll keep at it (though maybe will a little lower level of difficulty) and try the stretching and hot/cold water and advil.

Here's to being able to brush my teeth and comb my hair! :)

[Libellula]

tell your trainer!

and... stay hydrated, stay filled with CARBS as evil as they sound - healthy carb intake actually helps with muscle pain.. just make sure you are getting adequate carbs, fat AND protein.. so your muscles can heal. :)

[Katie26]

I agree that should tell your trainer as you might be pushing too hard, but when you get the pain at least you know you've done some work and getting your body in shape!

[VeganForHealth]

Suck it up PoinDexter!!! (...Alright, just kidding.)

I agree with NaturalChick. Stretching is about the best thing you can do.

Also work opposite groups of muscle. Abs and Back, Biceps and Triceps.

Get soy protein powder, and get plenty of Iron.

If it's really bad, try lower weight, but more repititions.