sore muscle tips?

[red_eft]

So the day before yesterday, I did my first attempts at squats. Based on the my body's reaction, you'd think I'd never used those muscles before in my life, because my legs are *still* sore. I tried taking a hot bath, but it didn't seem to do much. Does anyone have tips for alleviating the soreness, or do I just have to wait it out?
Also, should I try to do my normal workout, or wait until it lets up a bit?

Comments

[damned_colonial]

Ha ha, I'm the wrong person to ask because I kind of perversely love that achiness :) however, ibuprofen and loosening it up works well, as Laura says. Your normal workout should be ok, but be sure to warm up well beforehand. A hot shower or bath might also help.

[thalia]

Hee, I like it too, except those times when I can't walk down stairs without going "ow, ow, ow," and my husband laughs like crazy.

red_eft, you might want to back down on the weight a bit next time, but it will get better. If you're still really sore, I'd say take an extra day off.

[red_eft]

Yeah, normally I don't mind the soreness, but my legs are complaining loudly whenever I stand up or sit down. Or kneel. Or bend. Or... well, move them at all, really.
I... didn't actually use any weights, aheh. So lightening up is not really an option. Maybe I'll do fewer next time, though.

[thalia]

Yeah, I'd suggest cutting back--fewer reps, fewer sets, fewer exercises, whatever's appropriate--and building up to the full workout. There's nothing wrong with taking a couple weeks to ramp up--it's better than hobbling around for three days.

I do sympathize, though. Been there, done that, lots of times.

[red_eft]

Normally, I am the same! But I'm used to working out my arms more, and the soreness doesn't usually interfere with my normal day-to-day movements. The legs, otoh...