Sore muscles are inevitable, regardless if you are a beginner or a professional weightlifter. But there is always the famous question: “skip or not skip the next day?” Instead of wondering, here is what you should be doing.
Don’t Take Pre-Workout Medicine
Taking painkillers before a workout is a big no-no! It can mask an injury or cause you to push yourself harder and further than you should. If you experience after workout muscle soreness, icing the place where it hurts is a better option than trying to prevent DOMS – delayed onset muscle soreness.
Get to Know Your Body
Experiencing DOMS is a good thing; it is caused by muscle microtears, which helps build muscle fiber and make them stronger. However, if your pain is unusual or you think you might have injured yourself, stop immediately, because pushing through the pain can harm your body even more.
Work With Other Body Parts
Although DOMS can be painful, it isn’t an excuse to skip your workout. So, if you have sore arms, concentrate on other body parts, like your legs or abs. You won’t hurt as much, but you will still be on track with your workout.
